Andrea Pirlo explains why Juventus put Federico Chiesa up against Theo Hernandez and showed ‘the spirit of a team that wants to be in control’ against Milan.
The Bianconeri were missing Alex Sandro, Juan Cuadrado and Alvaro Morata, but Federico Chiesa stepped up with a brace before Weston McKennie scored off the bench for 3-1.
Andrea Pirlo explains why Juventus put Federico Chiesa up against Theo Hernandez and showed ‘the spirit of a team that wants to be in control’ against Milan.
The Bianconeri were missing Alex Sandro, Juan Cuadrado and Alvaro Morata, but Federico Chiesa stepped up with a brace before Weston McKennie scored off the bench for 3-1.
Davide Calabria had scored the temporary equaliser, but strength in depth made the difference, especially with the Rossoneri missing so many players.
“It was important for us, we weren’t interested in the results of the teams above us, as we were concentrated on our own progress. We’ll see in a few months where we are,” Pirlo told Sky Sport Italia.
“The important thing was this spirit of a team that wants to be in control, especially against the Serie A leaders on their own turf.”
The tactical key was perhaps putting Chiesa up against Theo Hernandez.
“The idea was to keep him under pressure and not allow him to keep pushing forward as freely as he usually does, especially when he had to deal with a player who was also good in one-on-one situations.
“We signed him so he could take men on in the final third, his position might change, but his role does not.”
Rodrigo Bentancur was lucky not to receive a second yellow card, while Adrien Rabiot made his return.
“Rabiot was coming off two games in the stands, so he was fresh and eager to get going. He is a box-to-box midfielder and I think he doesn’t even realise the potential he has.
“Bentancur was tired and seeing as he was at risk of the second yellow card, we moved quickly to substitute him.”
Juve felt there was a foul on Rabiot by Hakan Calhanoglu at the start of the move that led to Davide Calabria’s equaliser.
“It was a foul and the referee should’ve blown the whistle. After that decision was made, Danilo should’ve been more aggressive, but also the whole team wasn’t set out well. In any case, it all started from a foul.”
Paulo Dybala created the opening goal for Chiesa with a splendid back-heel flick.
“Everyone is first choice and not first choice. I am fortunate enough to be able to choose game by game based on our situation and the characteristics of our opponents.
“We just needed Dybala to get back his fitness levels, because he still not at 100 per cent now. He still has a few physical issues and hasn’t been at his best all season.”
Pirlo was asked if he pushed Juventus to renew Dybala’s contract.
“No, that’s not my role, I don’t get involved in contracts.”