12 January 2015
Massimiliano Allegri says he is happy with the spirit shown by his Juventus side during this evening’s hard-fought 3-1 victory over Napoli at the San Paolo.
After taking the lead courtesy of Paul Pogba’s blockbuster finish on 29 minutes, the Bianconeri were forced to weather a second-half Partenopei fightback but succeeded in overturning Miguel Britos’ equaliser through Martin Caceres and Arturo Vidal.
And the Tuscan tactician believes a triumph in difficult circumstances, at a venue where the visitors previously held a winless record stretching back to 2000, was just what the doctor ordered.
Speaking after the final whistle in Naples, Allegri said: “In patches of the first half we played really well and a victory in this manner, obtained by digging deep, was something we required as we had yet to win in this way this season.
“Leagues are won by coming through difficult games, showing the ability to defend in a certain way, giving little away and playing well from a technical standpoint. The fact that Juve have won the last three Scudetto titles does not mean that this year will be straightforward and we must improve.
“We’re often good at getting plenty of bodies into the opposition half and winning the ball back quickly, but we need to work more on our distribution of the ball, balance and preventing shots coming in on our goal.”
Allegri’s final words were reserved in response to Napoli trio Aurelio De Laurentiis, Rafa Benitez and Christian Maggio, who were vociferous in their protests over an alleged Giorgio Chiellini offside in the move leading to Martin Caceres’ goal.
He concluded: “It’s a shame, because it was a wonderful evening, with an even contest and the tribute to Pino Daniele. People struggle to accept defeat in Italy.”
