Massimiliano Allegri spoke at a press conference after the match against Lazio.
Almost a perfect match…
“A good match against an excellent team. It was important to win the first home game. The fans did well to support us when Lazio had control of the game. We need to focus on working day by day and not on big things; our goal remains to finish in the top four.”
How important was winning this match?
“The fans gave us a great boost. We’re a team that needs the fans’ support. Winning today was important because it was a direct clash. We’re disappointed about conceding a goal, but we had the opportunity to see how the team reacted, and we did well.”
The key to the match?
“The whole team is doing well; some players were in great shape, and others were a bit behind. But it was important to get the victory; we had opportunities, and the team strongly wanted to win. We played well both with and without the ball.”
What can the Vlahovic-Chiesa partnership improve on?
“They all need to improve. I’m happy because it’s difficult to select the lineup. Milik and Kean came in well, Fagioli had a good second half. We need to maintain this spirit and desire to succeed. To do that, we need to run more than others and be angrier than our opponents.”
How happy are you that Vlahovic stayed?
“I didn’t think anything because Vlahovic has always been a Juventus player, just like Chiesa. Like all the players I have at my disposal. This year, Juventus had a different transfer market, and we made evaluations with the club, Giuntoli, and Manna, about the team’s value, which can improve a lot and grow.”
Is anger transforming this Juventus?
“Football is very much about empathy. Last year, the team earned 72 points in a difficult year. Now we’ve restarted and have time to work. We regret not playing in European competitions, but now we need to focus on returning to the Champions League. Vlahovic had pubalgia problems last year, Chiesa was expected to have ups and downs. Just look at their condition when they returned to training on July 10. Cambiaso can improve, Weah as well. McKennie is a useful player if he maintains consistency, he’s good and has goals in his legs. Everyone is growing. We’re focused on working and doing our best.”
Are you pleased with the fans’ chants?
“The fans have always been with us, and I’m very happy. There will be difficult moments, but it must be a journey we all take together: the team, the club, and the fans. Now it’s important to secure these wins.”
Are you working on Vlahovic’s right foot?
“In the past, you used to play with your weaker foot in training matches. Nowadays? It’s the same.”
How important are Miretti’s movements for this team?
“Miretti is very good at finding space, has extraordinary technique, and today he came close to scoring and held up physically. Let’s not forget he’s from 2003 and can grow. Fabio has around 50 appearances for Juve, which is not insignificant. I’m also pleased with Fagioli, who missed the preseason. The important thing is to maintain the desire to succeed and secure these victories. We have 16 players; those who start and those who come in to help us maintain the tempo.”
How angry were you about Lazio’s goal?
“Compared to the first match against Udinese and Bologna, the team is improving a lot. We need to find the balance between when to rest and when to press. The team is doing that and is growing in this aspect too.”