Max Allegri felt unwell after Juventus were held in a controversial 1-1 draw with Bologna, so assistant manager Marco Landucci explains they ‘accept the referee’s decision.’
The Bianconeri were trailing for much of their first home game of the season after a goal from Lewis Ferguson and were also rescued by the woodwork.
Dusan Vlahovic had a goal disallowed for Adrien Rabiot’s offside, which was interfering with play as he shielded the goalkeeper’s view, before nodding in Samuel Iling-Junior’s equaliser.
Rather than Allegri, it was assistant manager Landucci who arrived for the post-match interview with DAZN.
“He has a cold and felt unwell, but nothing serious,” assured Landucci.
“It was a game of two halves. We told the team they had a very good second half, but perhaps we were too eager to make a big impression on home turf and over-did it. That is a pity that Dusan’s first goal was disallowed at the 51st minute, because that was an important moment, but we generally moved much better in the second half.
“We were so eager to win that we risked losing it in the end. We took risks and we knew that we would, but sometimes that works better than others. It is a good point and we go forward.”
There was one extremely controversial incident, as with the score still 1-0 to Bologna, Iling Junior appeared to collide with Dan Ndoye and prevent him tapping into an empty net from six yards.
The referee waved play on and VAR also did not call him for an on-field review, much to the fury of the visitors.
“I say the same thing that (Bologna coach) Thiago Motta always says, which is that we do not comment on refereeing decisions, whether they are in favour or against. We accept the referee’s decision.”
Paul Pogba made his season debut in the final 25 minutes and seemed more like the player he once was before a year of injury woes.
“Paul came on well, he gave some good passes.”
Vlahovic found the back of the net twice, although only one of those ended up counting.
“Dusan played very well, moved very well, and when a striker is less frenetic, he is more effective. I want to also underline that Dusan felt much better this week physically, as he has for a while had this groin issue,” concluded Landucci.