27 February 2023
Massimiliano Allegri spoke to the press ahead of the Derby della Mole tomorrow, Tuesday 28 February. The coach touched on various subjects, such as the return to the squad of both Paul Pogba and Federico Chiesa, and obviously the significance of the match against the city rivals.
DERBY PRESSURE
"The derby is always an important match. We have to continue our climb up the table by adding to our points tally, trying to reach Bologna, Torino permitting. Our strength must be that of setting one small goal at a time. However, tomorrow will be difficult.
“Torino are a team moulded by [Ivan] Juric, teams that have a very specific playing system. They attack a lot, they pile on a lot of pressure. These matches are very intense but we've done well at immersing ourselves in these kinds of challenges. If we think we can play on our tiptoes, we're done for.”
SQUAD UPDATE
"[Paul] Pogba will be called up for the derby and will play if necessary. He doesn't have much playing time in his legs, but more than enough. I have spoken to him as I have done with the other players. He must understand that we're at an important stage of the season. He must have the drive to have given his contribution at the end of the season.
"Yesterday [Federico] Chiesa trained with the team after six so-so days. Now to say that Pogba can be a starter after 315 days on the sidelines or likewise Chiesa, who has been out for 10 months, is another thing. A little patience is needed.
"[Leonardo] Bonucci is fine, but due to his long period of inactivity, he'll be sitting close to me at kick-off tomorrow evening. But having him back is already an important plus, he is the club captain afer all."
THE SEASON'S FOCUS
"Regardless of what happens off the pitch, we have earned 47 points and we must try and stay in the top four, one of our aims at the start of the season.
"We have got over the 15-point deducton. We know that we have to try to get to the end of the season having enough points that would allow us to finish in the top four. Also, we have the semi-final of the Coppa Italia and the last 16 of the Europa League to focus on."
