Andrea Barzagli warns Juventus can’t afford to lose the Derby d’Italia with Inter on Sunday.
The Bianconeri have started the season poorly and are currently 12th in Serie A, eight points behind the Nerazzurri.
“If we want to have a bit of hope we definitely have to come out of the game undefeated,” Barzagli told Sky.
“At the same time, we’re still at the beginning [of the season] so it’s still early. Eight points is a big gap for Inter though, and if they get a result if would be a problem for us.
Andrea Barzagli warns Juventus can’t afford to lose the Derby d’Italia with Inter on Sunday.
The Bianconeri have started the season poorly and are currently 12th in Serie A, eight points behind the Nerazzurri.
“If we want to have a bit of hope we definitely have to come out of the game undefeated,” Barzagli told Sky.
“At the same time, we’re still at the beginning [of the season] so it’s still early. Eight points is a big gap for Inter though, and if they get a result if would be a problem for us.
“They started very strongly, so they will be a very difficult team for us to beat, and we’ll have to prepare to the maximum.
“We’ve had two good games [against Sevilla and Bologna], but I think we can still improve.
"I think we have to improve some small defect that we have, because we’re conceding more than you normally would considering the number of shots on our goal.
“That means we’re lacking something on the pitch that we had before, so I think there’s still a lot to do and we shouldn’t be deceived by these two victories.
“I think when you’re defending it’s not just about the physical side, but also the mental one. You have to be constantly focused, not conceding a metre to your opponents.
“Of course, the defensive balance doesn’t just depend on one position, but how the whole team moves.
“The players in front of us have to give us a hand, just as the attacking play also depends on us defenders.”
Barzagli then discussed some of the new arrivals in Turin this summer.
“[Juan] Cuadrado has impressed us with his personality. He always wants the ball. He’s working very well, as we all are, and that’s an important starting point.
“Rugani? Daniele is very professional, he turned up for pre-season before all of us, he’s studying the veterans, and he has the advantage of being very attentive.
“He’s promising, as are all our young players. It will be an important season for him, in future he’ll take charge of this Juve.”