27 February 2015
Roberto Pereyra insists there is no chance of Juventus letting their guard down when they head into Monday night’s blockbuster clash with Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.
A nine-point lead over the Giallorossi sees Massimiliano Allegri’s men approach the showdown with an element of breathing space at the top of the table, but the Argentine midfielder says the team’s determination to keep winning will mean it is business as usual in the capital.
“We’re perfectly aware that it will be a tough match against Roma on their own patch. The sides are separated by nine points but we can’t ease off - we must stay focused and look to do even more.”
An injury sustained by Andrea Pirlo during Tuesday’s Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund means Pereyra is expected to come into the starting line-up after getting the nod from Allegri as a first-half substitute in midweek.
And having made an important contribution to gaining Juventus the upper hand in the tie, the 24-year-old is already eyeing a similar outcome when hostilities resume on Wednesday 18 March in Germany.
“It was a difficult game because they’re a good side who play decent football, but we managed to replicate what we worked on during the week and we’ll look to pick up another win when we go to Dortmund.”
The versatile Pereyra admits he is pleasantly surprised by how much game time he has enjoyed since completing a summer move from Udinese, insisting he is more than happy to slot in wherever his services are required.
“I didn’t think I’d be playing so much, but from day one I always said I would work hard to take my chance when it came my way. I’d already played as an attacking midfielder in Udine, but I’ve got no problems operating in other positions either.”
