Massimiliano Allegri justifies Federico Chiesa’s performance against Chelsea but insists he is happy with what the Italy starlet is doing this term.
The 24-year-old has scored three goals and delivered as many assists in 15 appearances across all competitions this season.
He netted 15 goals, adding 11 assists in 46 games under Andrea Pirlo last term, and played a key role in Italy’s Euro 2020 win in the summer.
Chiesa was one of the most criticised players by Italian media after Juventus‘ 4-0 defeat against Chelsea on Tuesday. He was rated 5/10 by Il Corriere dello Sport and 4 by Gazzetta and Tuttosport.
However, Allegri defended the 24-year-old during a press conference today.
“He played a good game against Lazio, he had a few chances to score goals,” he said.
Allegri explains Chelsea defeat and expects Juventus reaction against Atalanta
“He can be devastating in open spaces. Against Chelsea, it was a different story. The level was different.
“Federico has extraordinary qualities, he is really good technically, he needs to work and improve like everyone else, but I am happy with what he is doing.”
Allegri has partially changed Chiesa’s role this season, using him as a winger and as a support striker.
The Tuscan tactician has often used a 4-4-2 formation with Chiesa deployed as right or left-winger or among the two strikers.
A few weeks ago, Allegri said Chiesa could become a striker in the future, but the performances of the ex-Fiorentina winger have not been entirely convincing this season.