Gianluigi Buffon says the Bianconeri had to find it within themselves to battle fatigue and overcome a stubborn Genoa outfit in today’s 1-0 triumph at Juventus Stadium.
The captain commended his team-mates for capping off a fine week, in which they also ensured a safe passage to the Champions League last eight, with today’s hard-fought triumph.
Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, the 37-year-old began: “Our toughest challenge today was a psychological one, finding the energy to remain alert following Wednesday’s game.
“Tiredness is an inevitable factor but our desire to keep fighting right until the end is proving the difference.”
And “fighting” was the key word as the shotstopper continued his interview, citing that a “winning mentality” continues to act as the secret behind the Bianconeri’s ongoing success in all three competitions this term.
“Battling is the culture of this group, the club and our history. It’s part of our DNA and although we’d lost our way a bit, we were able to regain a winning mentality and conviction during these last three and a half years.”
Buffon ended proceedings by lavishing praise on coach Massimiliano Allegri, who has kept Juventus on course to win a fourth consecutive Serie A title following some great football this season.
“The boss made one of the most courageous decisions someone in football could have made. Coming to a club like Juventus who had won three consecutive titles, implementing your own brand of football and still obtaining such results is something you can only take your hat off to.”