26 January 2024
Current table-toppers Juventus host Empoli on Serie A's Matchday 22, with the Bianconeri and the Azzurri lining up against each other on Saturday, 27 January at 18:00 CET.
This is what Coach Massimiliano Allegri had to say on the eve of the match:
"It's an important match tomorrow: we are well physically and mentally, but a good challenge awaits us to. Empoli deserves respect, they have quality players and Coach Nicola's arrival has given them solidity, so it won't be an easy match.
CALM AND BALANCE
"After Inter-Juventus there are still many games to play, and let's not forget Milan who scored more points than last year, have overcome a difficult period, and can get back into the title race. The important thing is to stay balanced, keep the bar high and try to provide continuity. The Scudetto-winning points tally? It's difficult to say right now, we're up against a strong team in Inter who are favourites and have scored a lot of points, being close to them is a great thing given that we're on a different path.
"The concept of the 'impossible goal' I mentioned before was not related to the Scudetto, it is a psychological condition that you have to have in your head: you have to do your best and think that nothing is impossible.
TEAM NEWS
"We have made our first assessments on Tiago Djalo, who is returning from a serious injury but had already worked with his former team. Fabio Miretti will probably play, I have some doubts about the wingers, I will decide whether to let Danilo play or not, but everyone is fine. Federico Chiesa will not be available tomorrow, he has been out for a week, we are working to get him in the best condition to be ready against Inter: in this second part of the season it is very important for us, we have many points to fight for and a semi-final of the Italian Cup to look forward to. Arek Milik is well, he is reliable and has great technique; Timothy Weah is doing well, I have to decide tomorrow who plays, however all those who start from the bench are always very importnat as well.
FABIO AND KENAN
"Fabio [Miretti] has played about fifteen games this season, over 50 in total, and he is still very young. Every now and then he makes mistakes, like everyone else, but I'm happy with him and I know he can still grow, he's showing it. Kenan Yildiz is a player who has done very well, compared to Chiesa he counters less, Fede is unique in his way of playing. Kenan should be left calm in his growth path, but for his age he is very much 'in the framework'."
