The Bianconeri coach ahead of the match against Sassuolo: “Vlahovic and Chiesa are available. Inter, Milan, and Napoli are above everyone in Serie A at the moment.”
After the significant victory against Lazio, Juventus is gearing up to face Sassuolo with the goal of pushing to remain at the top of the table. Massimiliano Allegri is asking for calmness.
How about that good start of the season, and how can your team beat Sassuolo?
“Let’s stay calm, because there’s too much euphoria. On one hand, it’s nice, but on the other, it takes away so much energy and focus. We’re only in the fifth match of the season, it’s not like we are winning the scudetto.
Matches against Sassuolo have always been hard-fought, and they are coming off an unexpected defeat. We will face a tough opponent in a challenging environment, eager to make amends. We’ll need attention, physicality, and technique. Getting a result against Sassuolo would be very important.”
Chiesa and Vlahovic:
“They both had a separate training. Dusan had a minor back issue, and Federico had a slight strain in his hamstring. But both are at 100% and fully available for the match tomorrow.”
Does the team have an advantage without the Champions League?
“I don’t know if it’s an advantage or a disadvantage; it depends on the perspective. What I do know is that Juventus should play in the Champions League next season because it’s important both technically and economically. Inter, Milan, and Napoli are currently better equipped, but we need to take it one step at a time.”
How about the new Juventus this season?
“It’s a matter of the squad’s composition. We lost some experience this summer (Di Maria), but we gained enthusiasm and dynamism. We need to run more than others and play at a high intensity. We need to aim for results that can boost the team’s self-esteem and secure a place in the top four.
Miretti, Fagioli, and the young players:
“Everyone has their own responsibilities, both the young and the experienced players. When you play for Juventus, you need to mature quick. However, we must acknowledge that young players can make mistakes due to lack of experience. Miretti, Fagioli, Iling, Cambiaso, and Gatti are developing.”
Champions League pressure?
“We are not thinking about the Scudetto this year, reaching the Champions League is our goal. We should aspire to be among the top four. But we must take it one step at a time. Championships aren’t won or lost in a single match. Patience and good work are required.“
Fagioli in front of the defense?
“He can do that for sure, but it needs to be tested and tried. He has the right feet and technique. When he played in the United States against Real in 2017, I said he was a playmaker, and I still think that way. Over the years, he may also play in front of the defense.”
Berardi to Juventus?
“There were various negotiations this summer, but in the end, we decided to stick with this group of players. Hopefully, tomorrow Berardi won’t replicate the performances he usually delivers against Juventus. We’ll need to be very good at limiting him.”
McKennie or Weah?
“McKennie is doing well; he only picked up a knock in training. Weah is a good option off the bench, he’s adapting well, and I’m very happy with him.”
