25 November 2023
Massimiliano Allegri sat down with the media on Saturday to discuss Juventus's return to Serie A action after the international break. Inter will be the visitors at Allianz Stadium on Sunday evening, with the fixture offering top spot to the winners.
TOP-OF-THE-TABLE CLASH
“Tomorrow is a very important match for us and it's part of our learning process. There's still a very long way to go. We're playing an excellent team who have had more time together than we have. We're approaching the game as best we can and we've prepared well for it. We're up against the league leaders and the title favourites. We go into the match with a solid, close-knit team capable of performing well. Lots of things can happen in the game but we're ready for it.”
TEAM SELECTION
“Alex Sandro is available and Danilo should be back for Monza next week. We'll have to see about [Timothy] Weah. [Manuel] Locatelli has trained the last few days and in the coming hours we'll make a decision on whether he'll start the game or be on the bench. In any case, we don't have problems in midfield. I have [Hans] Nicolussi Caviglia, and [Andrea] Cambiaso and [Samuel] Iling-Junior can play in central midfield too. We have lots of options. We might consider changing formation during the game but not from the start.
“I have a doubt over who to pick in front of the defence. [Fabio] Miretti played in that position in his first few games for Juventus and [Adrien] Rabiot is another option. We'll see how Locatelli is and then decide.
“All five of our forwards are in good shape and, as always, whoever starts and whoever comes off the bench must make a decisive contribution.
“[Federico] Chiesa did well for Italy but he was playing well for us before the break too. There are no problems with [Dusan] Vlahovic and [Moise] Kean. I have to decide between them and [Arkadiusz] Milik who will start at centre forward tomorrow but the substitutes will be very important because it's going to be a physical match in which the small details will make the difference.”
INTER FORM AND JUVE GOALS
“Simone Inzaghi is doing an excellent job. Inter had a great season last year and they've started really well this season. Their stats speak for themselves. When they take the lead they very rarely let opponents back in the game.
“We'll be playing in front of a full house but we know that come the final whistle we're not going to win or lose the league or go out of the cup. It's just an important junction on our path.
“It's been a long time since we were playing for top spot but it changes nothing for us. We must have the same hunger for victory we showed against Cagliari and in every other game.
“We must be aware of our limits and stick together. I'm confident the lads will produce a big performance. A lot of things can happen once the match starts so we must be good at reading and adapting to the different moments of the game.”
