Massimiliano Allegri spoke to the press ahead of the match at Sampdoria on Saturday. The Bianconeri coach admitted the importance of tomorrow’s Match Day 29 fixture, scheduled for kick off at 18h00 CET.
INTENSE WEEK
“We’ve reached the decisive moment of the season. With two months to play, this is the run-in. There’s the international break in a week, but in the meantime, we have an intense week ahead of us.
“Our first objective is to defeat Samp, then the second is to qualify to the quarter finals of the Champions League.”
GENOAN CHALLENGE
“In their two matches at home with Marco Giampaolo as coach, Sampdoria have scored six goals and conceded none. 25% of their goals were scored in the opening 15 minutes, so our approach needs to be right.
“Winning in Genoa is always difficult, either against Genoa or Sampdoria, They are transformed when they play at home. We need to have the character to obtain the result we’re looking for.”
TEAM UPDATE
“I am happy with how Dusan Vlahovic is coping with the mental stress of playing every three days. Every ball is decisive. I told him yesterday that he needs to be more precise in each action he’s involved in, to spare some energy and increase his skill.
“I still need to decide who will play because I’m aware that some players need a rest. The good news is that Mattia De Sciglio and Alex Sandro are back with the team, and Juan Cuadrado feels fine.
“Federico Bernadeschi is out suspended tomorrow, but Danilo will definitely play. It will be his 100th game for Juventus, so how can he not play.
“Paulo Dybala is improving. He could be available for the Champions League, so could Leonardo Bonucci. On Sunday, Giorgio Chiellini should be back with the team. When the Champions League arrives, it’s like honey, it attracts everyone.”
MAXIMUM CONCENTRATION
“Our objective is to finish in the top four. Whether fourth, third or second, it’s not important. What is important is that we continue our positive run and hold down fourth place.
“Football is played on a knife's edge - as was demonstrated during the week between Real Madrid and PSG. When the situation appears to be going well, a moment can change everything. So, concentration needs to be kept to a maximum.”