09 September 2017
We're used to Massimilano Allegri's pondered post-match analyses by now. Win, draw or lose, he always remains level-headed, so after Juve beat Chievo 3-0 on Saturday it was no surprise to hear him start with where his team must do better.
MIDFIELD AND DEFENCE
“It wasn't easy today because we were playing with three in midfield for the first time and [Miralem] Pjanic in front of the defence,” the boss began.
“We let Chievo have a few too many shots: 11. That''s something I'll have to look at closely but it's an area where we can improve.”
It proved to be a different story in the second half.
“We brought on some fresh legs and technical players. Chievo began to wane and we found more space.
“The playing system works as long as everyone is prepared to put in a shift both when attacking and defending."
PAULO, DOUGLAS AND MIRALEM
“Paulo [Dybala] will become one of the best players in the world. He and Neymar are the future once [Leo] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo hang up their boots.
“As for Miralem [Pjanic], when he plays the way he did today, when he finds the right space, he's able to put his entire repertoire on display and the team benefits enormously.
“Defensively he reads the game well too: he makes interceptions and does a whole lot more.
“Douglas Costa still needs to grasp how Italian football works and get used to defenders doubling up on him. He probably would have been devastating in the last half an hour today.”
NOW FOR BARCELONA
“It's a crucial tie in that it could end up determining who tops the group. It could go either way but we'll have to secure qualification to the next round in the three games that come after Tuesday.”
