04 May 2015
Massimiliano Allegri believes goals will be on the menu when Juventus and Real Madrid go toe to toe over the next 10 days in an intriguing Champions League semi-final double header.
Speaking to the media at Juventus Stadium, the 47-year-old began: “When you play in these types of games you need to try and put in – I won’t say perfect – but a great performance in both defence and attack.
“I don’t think either game will finish goalless so we need to be at the races, especially in the final third.”
While Carlo Ancelotti and Pepe sought to play down their title of favourites in their pre-match press conference, Allegri conceded that last season’s holders perhaps have the edge ahead of the game.
But he is encouraging his players to relish their title of underdogs by rising to the occasion when the first whistle sounds tomorrow night at Juventus Stadium.
“They’re reigning champions and should probably have a greater chance of going through. But we must play as well as we can, knowing we’re up against a great team and top class players, because there’s a spot in the final up for grabs.”
After complimenting Allegri on the way he has come in and led Juventus to the club’s fourth consecutive Scudetto title, Ancelotti found himself on the receiving end of similar praise when it was his counterpart’s turn to face the media.
“Carlo is an excellent, shrewd coach and he’s proved that with the results he’s achieved in Europe. I’ve got great respect for him as a person and his record in itself – important qualities are required to win in Italy, England, France and Spain.”
