Allegri discusses Juve-Inter match balance, Cuadrado’s goal, Chiesa’s return, and team improvement

Massimiliano Allegri, spoke on Tuesday evening after the first leg of the Italian Cup semi-final, which ended in a one-all draw between Juventus and Inter Milan.

What happened towards the end of the match?

“It was a balanced game and I think a draw was the right result, as both teams had chances. They had some in the first half, and then we had some too. That’s football, but the team is in good shape, and we knew that the return match is the one that counts. I’m sorry because with 20 seconds left, it was an avoidable situation.”

Were you disappointed in Di Maria and Vlahovic?

“Dusan scored a good equalizer. Angel is an extraordinary player. It’s clear that we need to occupy the zone better. Once Chiesa came on, with different characteristics, we spent less time in midfield and used more wingers, which created situations.

“I’m happy with Vlahovic and Di Maria, but we need to make some substitutions to bring in fresh energy. Chiesa was a player who could break the game open. Di Maria was a little upset because I took him out, but I make substitutions based on the course of the game. I needed a player who connected the game a little less but was more present in the box.”

Tell us about Juan Cuadrado’s performance

“Cuadrado scored an extraordinary goal, he’s always decisive. We’ll see what happens next, now we have an important month ahead of us.”

And the return of Chiesa

“I don’t want to be wise, for me it’s normal for Chiesa. I said we’ll see the real Chiesa next year. Before tonight, we played 40 matches in which Federico played 900 minutes. I’m very happy with what he’s doing, now he’s in less pain and his condition will improve in the next matches. It takes time, but everything is normal. I think Federico will need these months to get back in shape.”

Any physical improvement from your team?

“During the break, we worked, but the team was already in good physical and mental condition. Tonight, I saw the boys very angry about this draw, but we have to accept it. In the first half, we were a bit too slow. When they had the ball, we waited for it, in the second half, we put more pressure. As we progressed in the game, the feelings were good.”

How do you explain such nervousness towards the end of the match?

“In the end, I don’t know, because after the penalty, the game was over. It was a tactical game and in the second half, we grew, we had to move the ball more quickly. In the second half, we felt like we could win the match.

“Then, football is also about that with Bremer jumping out of time, but we made an earlier mistake where we shouldn’t have allowed Bastoni to start the move. We have to accept it, the game was balanced. Inter is a strong team, we knew we would play for the passage to the return match. We regret not winning, but a draw is fair.”

How do you approach the return match in Milan?

“It’s in a month’s time, now we have important matches against Lazio, Sporting, and Sassuolo. We have to take it one step at a time and we’ll think about the Coppa Italia later. The return match will be a knockout game where we’ll have to win either in 90 minutes or in penalties. Right now, we need to focus on the league.”