Juventus” data-scaytid=”1″>Juventus will not be thinking about their crucial game with Malmo until after Saturday’s game with Lazio” data-scaytid=”3″>Lazio, according to Massimiliano Allegri.
Juventus will not be thinking about their crucial game with Malmo until after Saturday’s game with Lazio, according to Massimiliano Allegri.
Juventus face a trip to Sweden on Wednesday, with Champions League qualification in the balance. If the Bianconeri win their final two group games they will qualify for the latter stages, something which the club failed to achieve last season.
Despite the crucial game on the horizon, Allegri warns that the Bianconeri cannot take their eye off the ball.
“We have a duty to think about tomorrow,” Allegri cautioned in his Press conference ahead of the Lazio game.
“We’ll think about Wednesday’s game the day after tomorrow.
“I believe we have the potential [to get to the last eight in the Champions League], now our main priority is to go through because if we want to get to the last eight we should try to get six points and finish top of the group.
“Olympiacos have a good chance of going through, just as we do and Atletico Madrid do, so everything is still open.
“Speaking about the last eight now is practically impossible, we’ll discuss the last eight after we get through the group stage.”
Allegri also discussed Roberto Mancini’s return to Inter, and believes that the change will invigorate the Nerazzurri.
“Inter are always a dangerous team, because quality players don’t lost that talent over a month or two.
“Unfortunately – as I learned last year when I was sacked by Milan – when things aren’t going well it’s the Coach who pays the price.
“Mancini is an important person returning to Italian football, he knows the landscape and he can be an extra asset to his team.
“I don’t know if they’ll be able to battle with us [for the title], but they’ll definitely be in the top positions.”
Finally, the Juventus Coach had words of sympathy for Roma defender Leandro Castan, who will undergo brain surgery next month.
"I would like to offer a huge ‘good luck’ to Castan,” Allegri informed the assembled media.
“He’s facing a serious operation. Although he’s a great player – which is unfortunate as he’s an opponent – I hope to see him back on the pitch as soon as possible.”