01 May 2016
A 25th win out of 26 in the league and a 10th consecutive clean sheet at home in Serie A are all records to have evoked a sense of pride in Massimiliano Allegri after Sunday’s victory over Carpi.
Amid the celebrations of an historic fifth successive Scudetto title, however, the Bianconeri are also gearing up for a Coppa Italia final on 21 May against Milan and the chance to complete a domestic double for the second season running – something the Tuscan tactician was keen to remind journalists of after full-time today at Juventus Stadium.
“I’m pleased with the win and especially the clean sheet. Given we’d already wrapped up the league, it wasn’t easy to keep up our usual level of intensity.
“We didn’t play to our usual standard today so we need to increase our focus for the last two fixtures leading up to the cup final against Milan.”
Whilst reiterating his positive relationship with the club’s management, Allegri admitted that he had also been touched by the reception of supporters from the stands during the game.
“I really appreciated that and I thanked the fans for the warmth and respect they have shown me. They’re a real 12th man here at the Stadium. We’ll continue to work hard so that Juventus obtains excellent results.”
Wrapping up his post-match comments, Allegri reserved praise for a few of his promising squad members, including Mario Lemina, whose initial season-long loan deal at the club was made permanent on Friday, Daniele Rugani and goalscorer on the day Simone Zaza.
“Mario (Lemina) is young and talented, but he still needs to learn more from a defensive perspective, (Daniele) Rugani has gained a great deal of composure with the ball at his feet, as he has adapted to a Juventus side which plays on the front foot. Zaza, meanwhile, needs to keep working hard every day to improve his game as is normal at a big club such as this.”
