31 October 2014
Empoli boss Maurizio Sarri believes his side will have to show plenty of heart if they are to stand any chance of coming away with a result against Juventus tomorrow evening in Tuscany.
The 55-year-old, who led the Azzurri back into the top flight at the end of last season as Serie B runners-up, says his men must use a packed out Stadio Carlo Castellani and a lack of pressure to their advantage.
Speaking to the media before Saturday’s showdown, Sarri began: “We need to go out there with plenty of courage and even take the odd risk to try and cause them problems.
“We’ve got a tough game ahead of us but the pressure’s off. It’s been a long time since Juventus lost two consecutive matches and they created a great deal in their last encounter, conceding right at the death.”
“I don’t think the lads will need much motivating for this one: they will be up against top class players in front of a full house. We’ve got a slim chance of getting a result and we need to go for it.”
The wonders worked by the Naples-born tactician during his two years with the club drew praise from Massimiliano Allegri in his pre-match press conference, and Sarri sought to repay the favour when asked about the strengths possessed by his opposite number.
He concluded: “Allegri’s great at managing a group and he’s shown it again this year, coming into a new environment and offering slight but continual improvements.”
