20 February 2015
Matchwinner Andrea Pirlo says the three points were all that mattered as Juventus chalked up their 17th Serie A success of the season with tonight’s 2-1 victory over Atalanta.
With the score tied at 1-1, the 35-year-old latched on to a pass before firing an unstoppable effort past Marco Sportiello’s despairing dive to put the Bianconeri ahead on the stroke of half-time.
And that’s how it remained as Massimiliano Allegri's men extended their lead over nearest challengers Roma to 10 points at the summit of Italy’s top flight.
Speaking pitchside following the final whistle, he began: “Our only target tonight was getting the three points and putting in a good display following last Sunday’s performance in Cesena.
“It wasn’t an easy game. But even though we fell behind, we managed to dig deep and grind out a result.”
After Fernando Llorente had equalised for the reigning champions on 39 minutes, the Maestro quickly raced to his team-mate to celebrate and chose to talk up the Spaniard's importance to the side during his post-match interview.
“Fernando required that confidence boost and we hope the goals will now start flowing for him. He’s someone we need.”
Attentions now turn to next Tuesday’s crunch Champions League last 16 first-leg clash with Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium and with the Bianconeri looking to advance to the quarter-finals of the competition for the second time in three seasons, Pirlo concluded proceedings by previewing what should be a spectacular night of football.
“It’ll be crucial to win without conceding. We’re not going to focus on their league position but for how they’ve gone about in the Champions League so far. From tomorrow we’ll begin preparing for Borussia Dortmund.”
