Cristiano Giuntoli refuses to acknowledge tonight’s clash with Inter is for the Scudetto, but replies to Southampton by insisting Carlos Alcaraz ‘can be part of the future of Juventus.’
It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT.
The Bianconeri had the opportunity to extend their lead at the top last week, considering Inter have a game in hand against Atalanta to be played on February 28, but were held to a 1-1 home draw by relegation-threatened Empoli.
Arkadiusz Milik was sent off early into that match and is therefore suspended this evening, with Moise Kean injured.
Is this showdown a reward for Juve or an opportunity to go for the title?
“It is a reward, because the work done by the coach and the lads is extraordinary, so they earned this opportunity. It is also a chance to increase the gap from fifth place. I know I seem monotonous, but until that has been mathematically achieved that is our objective,” Giuntoli told DAZN.
“I did not expect us to do this well so early. The objective was to find a financial and footballing balance. If the lads do well, we can speed up that process and continue looking to the future with great optimism.”
Juventus brought in Carlos Alcaraz on loan with option to buy from Southampton, plus snatched Tiago Djalo from under Inter’s noses in a deal with Lille.
“We had no particular need for new signings and did not want to unbalance the side, but we saw two players with great potential for the future. They just arrived, Tiago Djalo has been out for a while with a nasty injury.
“We believe they can be part of the future of Juventus and the future is on their side.”
The DAZN host tried one last time to make Giuntoli admit that this is a Scudetto battle, but found no luck with the determined director.
“Inter-Juventus is always a big match. Nothing will be decided tonight for the Scudetto. It is more important than a Scudetto battle, because it is Inter-Juve.
“There is such a long way to go and so many points still up for grabs, all we can do is give our best and take it one game at a time.”
#Juventus, #Giuntoli a DAZN: "Stasera non si decide niente, per noi è un'opportunità per non perdere punti dalla quinta"https://t.co/9GwAuZ9cOT
— FcInterNews.it (@FcInterNewsit) February 4, 2024