Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri says Angelo Ogbonna could start when Empoli visit tomorrow.
The former Torino defender has struggled for playing time in recent weeks, but with the Fiorentina looming in the Coppa Italia semi-final, changes could be made.
“Ogbonna has absolutely not fallen down the pecking order,” Allegri insisted in his pre-match Press conference.
Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri says Angelo Ogbonna could start when Empoli visit tomorrow.
The former Torino defender has struggled for playing time in recent weeks, but with the Fiorentina looming in the Coppa Italia semi-final, changes could be made.
“Ogbonna has absolutely not fallen down the pecking order,” Allegri insisted in his pre-match Press conference.
“There was a period in which he played a lot of games, and maybe recently he’s been playing a bit less. But he’s a player who’s available tomorrow, and maybe tomorrow he’ll be a starter.
“As for [Andrea] Barzagli, he’s played three matches with Juventus and the national team. This is the most difficult time for Andrea, because it takes time to recover your strength especially after eight months out.
“Usually you do well at first, then you have a decline. Andrea, though, has tactical intelligence, experience and technique to help him, so I’d say he’s ready to play.”
Allegri then turned his attention to other squad players who could be available for the game.
“[Luca] Marrone is back in the squad, as is [Paolo] De Ceglie. They’re available.
“Marrone has been out for three or four months, but he played with the Primavera side the other day. He’s in good condition, but we have to take things slowly.”
Allegri said earlier in the season that the Scudetto race would go to the wire, is he surprised by the Old Lady’s 14 point lead?
“The League has not been decided yet,” the former Milan Coach warned.
“There are still a lot of games to go. Let’s see if we are good enough to close it out before the end.
“Winning games isn’t easy, especially for Juventus, everyone who plays against us is playing the game of their life.
“I think so far we’ve done a good job, the lads have been very good, but now we’re getting to the final stretch and there are still two months to go until the end of the season.
“In the last two months we’re playing for the Scudetto, the Champions League and the Coppa Italia, now more than ever we have to play very well.”