16 March 2018
SPAL FIRST, REAL LATER
"Juventus vs Real Madrid will be an eye-catching game, these are the type of matches that we work towards. Last year in the quarter-finals we beat Barcelona, maybe this year we will beat Real Madrid. They are the favourites to win the Champions League so if we can beat them it would be fantastic, but we must focus first on the task at hand which is SPAL-Juve. After which we have the break, then we have AC Milan, which at the moment is not an easy opponent, then we will think about Real Madrid.
“We can’t underestimate SPAL, they have picked up seven points in their last three matches and are unbeaten in 10, and have only lost at home five times all season. For them tomorrow will be a historic game because they haven’t experienced Serie A football for 50 years, they’re fighting for survival and they hope to cause upset that will live long in the history of SPAL. We need to secure all three points tomorrow by playing a patient game so that we can take a seven-point lead over Napoli before they play their match on Sunday.
TEAM FORM
"Regarding the team tomorrow, both Barzagli and Rugani could play, but I need to evaluate who will play on the sides, upfront and in the midfield. Howedes had some fatigue before Wednesday’s game so that’s why he wasn’t called but now he’s ready so is in the squad. Khedira is out with the flu and Benatia is suspended, whilst Cuadrado and Bernardeschi are still recovering from injuries. The other lads are all available to me for tomorrow night’s match.
"I’m certain that Buffon will play tomorrow, as will Higuain who is in good shape, the rest we'll have to see. I'm fortunate that I have a team of responsible players, to reach the goal of the championship you have to win these types of games and play with focus, patience, as well as technique.
"The team is growing physically and mentally, we are at a decisive stage of the season, in the last few games we have grown a lot and are improving. The most important thing right now is the management of the game, it's the understanding of how to attack, and how to defend, and this will be very important for the end of the season."
