Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri says Federico Chiesa and Paul Pogba are not available against Empoli, but the Italy international will be tested in a friendly on Saturday.
The Bianconeri host Empoli at the Allianz Stadium tomorrow. After last week’s victory in the Derby Della Mole against Torino, they will be looking for their second win in a row.
“I think it was deserved, but in order to make that win relevant, we must continue to do the same,” the Italian tactician said at a press conference today.
Federico Chiesa and Paul Pogba returned to training at Continassa earlier this week, but it is still too early for them to be involved in competitive games.
“We must be realistic, Chiesa trained with the team twice, Pogba was partially involved, and he did something with the team, but not too much. It would be crazy to take risks,” the coach said.
“You should stop writing that [they will be available], you don’t lack imagination. Tomorrow, they won’t be available.
“Chiesa made some step forwards, On Saturday, we’ll organise a friendly to test him and see how he moves on the pitch.”
Dusan Vlahovic scored the winner against Torino, his sixth goal in 12 appearances with the Old Lady so far this season, but Arek Milik was only involved in the second half, with Moise Kean starting.
“Vlahovic played a technically good game, regardless of the goal,” said Allegri.
“I am happy with Kean, he is improving, he is feeling ok physically and he makes himself available for the team. We need responsibility to gain results and I see encouraging signs. It won’t be easy against Empoli, they beat us in Turin last season.
“Empoli are a quick, technical team and physically challenging,” the coach continued. “We need to be on the same level as them, this is something we should no longer get wrong. We’ll hurt ourselves if we think we can beat them easily.”
Juventus won just two of the last five Serie A games, they have collected 16 points so far, ten fewer than table leaders Napoli.
Next week, they will face Benfica in an away Champions League clash which they need to win to keep their Round of 16 qualification hopes alive.
shut him down until the new year.
made sense regarding chiesa/pogba, vlahovic, but not about being happy with kean=been awful
Allegri must be so irritating for those who don’t like him. Specially that they’ll have to hear him talk at least once a week. I think such a feeling is like the ones I get when I hear a ProTrans talking hahaha
Calma Calma they won’t play until max a sauras rex, PhD leader of the 7/9 underachievers teaches them the art of the octagon system. He must ensure they remember the back back down down style of the best team in Europe. Roberto Carlos and dunga are doing the fitness training
That is what I love about The Legend of Hexagon. Always wise to make sure he drives slower than a milk float, double seat belts on, checking wing mirrors every 2 seconds and nobody allowed to turn on the radio.