Massimiliano Allegri expressed his satisfaction with the way his team overcame a tough test at the Mestalla on Wednesday night, with the Bianconeri dominating the play, working themselves into a two-goal lead and then seeing the game out until the final whistle.
"This gives us the best possible start, but we can’t let up now," said the Juve coach. "We play away on Sunday and then we face Napoli and will need to beat Young Boys. Tonight we were able to dictate the play, get ourselves into the lead and then manage the game well without giving away chances. It’s definitely been a useful test.
"We worked hard and we managed not to concede, which is great news. You’re unlikely to concede goals when you’re as focused as we were tonight, plus we’re also becoming more vibrant going forward."
Allegri called for the introduction of VAR in UEFA competitions after the match saw Cristiano Ronaldo sent off in controversial circumstances.
"The Cristiano sending off is one of those examples of how VAR helps the referees," he said. "Things could have got complicated for us, having been reduced to ten men for a red card that was non-existent, but thankfully that wasn’t the case. He was upset and he needs time to calm down. He needs to rise above it and focus on Sunday, even if these things leave a bitter taste in the mouth."
The Bianconeri coach also provided an update on Douglas Costa, who was forced off with an injury late on.
"He’s picked up an adductor injury from virtually his first sprint," he said. "Unfortunately I was expecting this because the last few days have been draining for him mentally. When these things happen, the risk of injury is very high. It was a tactical decision that he would only come on for the last 20 minutes, but that was still enough for him to get injured."