07 April 2018
Massimiliano Allegri wanted a response after the midweek defeat to Real Madrid and Juventus produced one as they ran out 4-2 winners at Benevento, but the coach still expects more from his players.
A Paulo Dybala hat-trick and a peach of a goal by Douglas Costa sealed the points but Benevento had chances as well - too many for Allegri's liking.
“We eased off after Dybala's goal but the feeling is we ran too many risks today," the boss began. "We let our opponents have too many chances. We must defend better when we're in our own half. We were good at closing them down in their half but we did less well when we were on the back foot.
“We've been allowing the opposition too many shots recently and you get spells like this over the course of a season. The main thing is you're aware of it and you try to avoid it in the next game.
“The lads deserve plenty of credit though because Benevento played well today and we showed the grit and determination needed to win the game.
“There are 40 days left till the end of the season and we need to find the energy to see it out.”
Juve can now focus on the return leg against Real Madrid in the Champions League – a match the Bianconeri must try to play without being influenced by the first-leg scoreline.
“You can have no complaints when you lose 3-0 but for the first hour it was more evenly matched than the final in Cardiff and the games against Barcelona,” Allegri noted.
“The whole world will be watching on Wednesday and we have to produce a top performance.”
