Match Coverages
Every word from Max Allegri’s post-Fiorentina victory press conference
Massimiliano Allegri responded to DAZN after Juventus’s last night 1-0 victory over Fiorentina at Artemio Franchi.
A Juventus team with tremendous efficiency, consistently not conceding goals. What makes you most satisfied?
“The three points, and then the performance of the players who sought it, who wanted it against a Fiorentina that played very well, they were very good. Playing against Fiorentina is always complicated and difficult because they always have many men behind the ball, they move a lot, so it wasn’t easy.
“We exploited the goal-scoring opportunity well; we executed a beautiful play. We suffered more in the first half, while in the second, Szczesny didn’t even have to make a save despite the numerous crosses. In the first half, we had 2-3 situations where we missed the final pass, the choice of the pass because we had space to go there, especially after breaking the first press.”
Read more:
This year, even the younger players in the squad have understood the mentality you want to instill and how to win games, even when it’s a struggle. Where do you stand now? What are you looking at?
“We always have to look forward, but this should not be misunderstood as aiming for the Scudetto. I repeat, I believe that Inter, Milan, and Napoli are better equipped than us because they are further along in building their teams.
“We started with many young players who are playing a lot, there’s a good spirit. We played two different games between Sunday and today; against Verona, we played a technically beautiful game, had many shots on goal. Today’s match was different. Matches are won through suffering and a solid defensive phase.
“Of course, we need to improve certain things, especially when it’s two against two upfront, to better utilize certain opportunities, stop the ball instead of rushing to conclude the action, especially against a Fiorentina team to which we must offer genuine congratulations because they played a really great game.”
What day is Juventus-Inter?
“First, we have Cagliari.”
You haven’t marked the date on the calendar? This game can mean a lot for you.
“No, no, it means absolutely nothing. The season is long; we know our limitations, and we’re working on them. It’s an extraordinary group of players, and we have important qualities to improve and work on.
“Inter, Milan, and Napoli, especially Inter… it’s a team that has been built for years to win Scudetti, so we must have great respect. First, we have Cagliari, which Ranieri has put back on its feet, coming off three consecutive wins.
“After Cagliari, we have a break, and then we’ll prepare for the clash with Inter. Regardless of its significance, Juve-Inter is always a fantastic game to play.”
Was the game plan this way, or is it more about Fiorentina dictating the kind of game you had to play?
“Fiorentina leads you to play this kind of game, as we did today. In the second half, when we had more opportunities to keep the ball, we could manage it better. And, above all, they encourage you because they have many men above the ball line, and it’s normal that when you go, you find space open, so you want to close the action.
“With them, the important thing is not to break the game because if you do, anything can happen. They are open on the field; we were at risk when Rugani made an extraordinary header clearance on a counterattack. As long as you are short and compact, it’s normal that the boys defend very well in the box, and we have advantages.”
Is Moise Kean the current starting striker for Juve?
“Tonight, Moise played a good game, but at that moment, we needed Milik and Vlahovic, Vlahovic was fighting more, and Milik cleaned up many balls. At that moment, the substitutions gave us a big hand; we slowed down the pace, and Fiorentina lost some clarity.”
How many goals does Miretti have in his boots?
“I expect a goal contribution from him, just like from everyone else. I’m happy for Fabio; he’s occasionally criticized for his performances, but he has significant qualities. They need to be waited for, mistakes need to be accepted, but in terms of mentality, he’s already grown a lot.”
Rugani’s intervention?
“That’s an intervention that Barzagli made in a Juventus-Genoa game at home, under the Juventus stand. I remember the same cross from the opposite side. A header clearance to remove the ball from the one coming behind.”
Congratulations to Rugani because he works in defense but always does very well, like tonight.
“When Daniele played, he was always very positive. When he had Barzagli, Bonucci, and Chiellini in front, it was difficult to find space. Defensively, he’s calmer, closer to Bremer. Gatti, on the other hand, needs more instruction on his positioning because sometimes he goes and allows one-on-one situations, but that’s part of the growth process.”
Is the low block the context in which your defenders feel comfortable?
“No, Rugani and Bremer can also play in open field. Inside the area, they stand still and don’t concede space. Before, I saw them running around looking for a man. Now, they’re very good, both in a low block and in open field. We’re waiting for the returns of Danilo and Alex Sandro.”
