Juventus will host Milan with a last opportunity to rein in the second-placed side and get the closing stanza to their own season back on track. Two wins in the last twelve games has not only seen Juve fall out of contending for the Scudetto, but there’s a very real chance now that fourth-placed Bologna could overhaul them with the two teams set to meet in the penultimate weekend of the season.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, coach Massimiliano Allegri talked about the upcoming game.
“Tomorrow is Juventus-Milan, always a good game to play. Milan are a strong team with valuable players. Winning the [Coppa Italia] semi-final has allowed us to partially achieve one of our objectives.
“Now we have three games before the final where we have to get as many possible points to qualify for the Champions League.
“Tomorrow is a match, in case of a victory which won’t be easy, that can give us the opportunity to get to second place. Next season will be beautiful, because when you play a lot of competitions it’s stimulating.”
He provided an update on the condition of Gleison Bremer.
“Bremer had a little problem in Cagliari, he’s better now and I’ll decide tomorrow. We’ve had three days to rest and we’re ready to play a good match.”
The coach was asked what was missing in this Juventus side that they needed to lift the Scudetto again.
“The club and those who carry out the transfer market must answer this question. I am the coach and not the transfer market. We must remain focused on our Champions League objective. This would allow us to see Juventus in more competitions and then there’s the economic aspect.
“Now we have to stay focused, because the teams behind us are scoring points. We have to be good at playing a good game and winning again in the league.”
Who would he be selecting between Federico Chiesa and Kenan Yildiz tomorrow?
“They’re both fine. Federico has played a little more and I have to decide whether to start him. Chiesa can always decide things in one match, but I’ll choose tomorrow.”
What did he have to say about Dusan Vlahovic’s Ballon d’Or ambitions?
“It’s normal for him to aspire to the Ballon d’Or. Each of us must aspire to the maximum. Dusan has improved a lot since he arrived and is finding his balance even when things aren’t going well. I’m very happy.”
Would winning the Coppa Italia change his perception of how this season has transpired?
“These are not my exploits, they belong to everyone. Of a strong club, of a strong team. When we are at Juventus everyone must have the ambition to win. Then if the others are better, we have to work to improve.
“For a club the important thing is to qualify for the Champions League. For us, reaching our goals would be a success. We all like to win, but we have to reach our goal.”
“We are in line with what we did last year. Maybe we could have been more effective. Pioli is doing an excellent job at Milan.
“I don’t know if Inter have been the strongest in these three years. I, however, have always said that they were the strongest of this season and they thought I was crazy.”
What happened between the two halves of the game at Lazio, with Juve needing a late goal to salvage their spot in the Coppa Italia Final?
“Because at the start we did the first half well and the second less well. In Rome we made a lot of mistakes in the first half. We had important chances.”
Was it an advantage for Juve this season not playing in Europe?.
“In five years, Juventus won five titles, four Coppa Italia and played in two Champions League finals. We always reached the end with almost 55 games. I congratulate Marotta and respect Stefano’s thoughts, but the facts say otherwise.”