Juventus CFO Francesco Calvo discusses Angel Di Maria and Adrien Rabiot contract talks, the NextGen project finally paying off and awaiting the 15-point penalty appeal as they visit Inter.
It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT.
Lazio beat Roma 1-0 and Milan fell to Udinese, so the Nerazzurri need a victory to keep hold of second place going into the break for international duty.
“This is the time to turn the tide with our away record against the big clubs, we feel this is the right moment to do that,” Calvo told DAZN.
The lead-up to this match also prompted tension, as if Juve win their appeal against the 15-point penalty, they would right now be clear in second place on 53 points.
The appeal will be heard on April 19 and a verdict provided, to either confirm or revoke it entirely.
“April 19 is important, as finally we will have some sense of certainty, there is a Europa League game the day after that. We will be able to keep the team focused, regardless of what the verdict is.”
Di Maria is not fit enough to start this evening, but he is on the bench along with Federico Chiesa, as his future in Turin remains in doubt.
“We had no doubts on Angel, he had a few physical problems that meant he could not give his best in the first half of the season, but we have all seen what he is capable of when in good shape.
“He expressed himself with words of affection for Juventus and we are pleased, as it means even in a complicated situation like this, players are eager to remain at Juventus. We are talking to him behind the scenes, taking our time, and when we have something to announce, we will do so.”
In place of Di Maria is Matias Soule, one of the players who were promoted from the NextGen Under-23 side that plays its football in Serie C, as Juventus are the only Italian club to have taken up the option of this second team.
“The work started five years ago with the NexGen, today we have three players starting who were born after 2000 and five players in the squad who came through the NextGen team – Miretti, Soule, Fagioli, Iling and Barrenechea – so that makes us very proud.
“This was the fulcrum of the project and it is really paying off this season.”
Rabiot also starts tonight and his contract is due to expire in June, but the France international has not ruled out signing a new deal with the Old Lady.
“Rabiot is a very talented player who is having a great season. Only a few weeks ago, just like Di Maria, he explained just how happy he is at Juventus, so that makes us very proud,” added Calvo.
“There are still many unknown quantities on our future, both on and off the field, and the verdict on April 19 will go some way to clarifying those situations and defining our future. In the next few weeks, we’ll talk to the players and try to plan our future.”