05 April 2015
Massimiliano Allegri says he is happy with the way his under-strength Juventus side ground out an important three points in tonight’s 2-0 win over Empoli.
With several big names missing and last week’s international commitments hampering the Bianconeri’s preparations for the game, the Tuscan tactician believes the resolve shown this evening will stand his men in good stead for Tuesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final return leg against Fiorentina.
Speaking to the media after the final whistle, the 47-year-old began: “We were missing some important players today. It was a decent victory against a good side unbeaten in their last eight games and one that will serve as a morale boost ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Fiorentina.
“Our midfield three played together for the first time, with Padoin in front of the defence and Ogbonna back after a month. We made a few poor decisions with our final ball in the first half, and allowed Empoli to creep back into the game after the break, but I’m happy with our performance. Four clean sheets in our last four games is an important statistic.”
Ending with an update from the treatment room, Allegri revealed that Claudio Marchisio will be linking up with the first-team squad tomorrow before bringing encouraging news on the fitness of Andrea Pirlo.
“Marchisio will be back training with the first team tomorrow. Pirlo’s making progress and I hope to have him available for Monaco. Vidal took a knock to his ankle, but it’s no cause for concern.”
