Massimiliano Allegri claims he knows exactly how many points Juventus need from their remaining Serie A fixtures in order to finish the season in the Champions League qualification places.
Speaking to the press ahead of Juve’s away game against Atalanta on Sunday afternoon, Allegri highlighted the importance of the ‘direct clashes’ his side still have to deal with before the end of the domestic season.
When asked what is needed from his team in Bergamo, Allegri replied: “A Juve that is aware of the importance of the match. There are five to go, between today and tomorrow there are direct clashes and tomorrow evening we will know more about the Champions League situation.
“Apart from the moments in which we had difficulties, the team is doing well and we are fighting. We have to take one small step at a time, think about tomorrow and then we’ll see how we’ll be in the standings. And then we will dive into the Europa League.
Allegri was the first to admit that the odds aren’t stacked in Juve’s favour heading into the clash against Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, given their recent run of form at home.
Allegri explained: “Juve haven’t beaten Atalanta in 6 games, Atalanta comes in off the back of three victories. At home they are a strong team, with physicality and at the moment they are on the rise.
“Between today and tomorrow, with direct clashes, we will know more. Especially on the numbers. I just know that we’re trying to score the points we need to finish in the top four.”
When asked what his side need before the end of the season in order to qualify for the Champions League, Allegri provided a very specific answer in terms of numbers.
“There are direct clashes that certainly have an impact on the final numbers going towards the Champions League. Today, we will understand whether we need 72 or 73 points for the Champions League,” he told the press.
“At the moment, it’s 73 – it’s mathematics. It’s also possible with 72, but it depends on today’s results. I’m not going to tell you the numbers otherwise I’ll bore you.”
In terms of team selection for Sunday’s crucial away trip, Allegri has all of his attacking options available and is faced with a decision to make over who should start against Atalanta.
On his list of available strikers, Allegri commented: “Kean is back after a month of inactivity, Milik and Vlahovic are doing well, we have a match every 4 days, whoever starts and whoever comes on is crucial.”