Juventus CFO Francesco Calvo insists Max Allegri is ‘not up for debate’ as he is ‘not even midway through a four-year project’ and hints the club might not bring in a new director of sport.
The game with Bologna kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
The Bianconeri are feeling the pressure after three consecutive Serie A defeats, plus the midweek Coppa Italia semi-final elimination at the hands of old rivals Inter.
Even with their 15 points returned temporarily pending a new trial, the Old Lady are still caught between potentially leapfrogging Lazio into second place and seeing Inter, Milan and Roma closing up on them in third.
“The objectives for this season are second place and to reach the Europa League final, which we are not in yet,” Calvo told DAZN.
There have been strong reports that Allegri is under pressure and could be facing the sack at the end of the season.
“I think saying Allegri is confirmed in his place would be saying something entirely obvious. He returned on a four-year contract and is not even half-way through that project.
“The 11 trophies in seven years at Juventus and two Champions League Finals speak for Allegri, he is absolutely not up for debate.
“The important thing for us is that we want to learn, grow and improve even in a difficult season, which goes for the directors, coach and players.”
There is also a great deal of speculation around the future of the Juventus board, specifically the director of sport, although Calvo hints that might not be entirely accurate.
“We are planning for the future with Federico Cherubini, our director of sport, the coach and myself. We are a unique block working towards the future and to conclude this season with hopefully the Europa League trophy.
“Whoever will arrive in future, and there’s no guarantee anyone will arrive, needs to settle in to the Juventus system. More important than individual people is the Juventus solidity that does not depend on any single individual.”
Allegri said that this is the most difficult period of the season, starting with the trip to Bologna.
“I think when you go through difficult moments, the next always seems even tougher. We got through tough moments in the past, like the points penalty, now it is an important moment where we need to change gear and consolidate our objectives.”
Dusan Vlahovic is only fit for the bench, with Angel Di Maria and Moise Kean not making the trip, but there are reports the Argentina international felt the ankle problem only after realising he wouldn’t be starting this evening.