16 March 2015
With little over 48 hours remaining until the Bianconeri take to the field for one of their most important games of the season to date – Wednesday’s last 16 return leg meeting with Borussia Dortmund – Massimiliano Allegri welcomed his men back to Juventus Center for a morning workout.
The boss has underlined the need for the reigning champions to “score at least one goal” at the Westfalenstadion to enhance their chances of Champions League progression but will also be looking for a repeat of the defensive displays which have yielded two clean sheets in as many games.
Defensive and attacking shape were both covered during a workout which saw the squad reunited on the training ground after conducting yesterday’s traditional post-match routine in separate groups.
Missing out on the training session were Stefano Sturaro and Paolo De Ceglie. The midfielder sustained a twisted right ankle during the match against Palermo, while the defender suffered a bruised right knee. Both underwent thorough examinations that ruled out any serious damage. They are expected to be able to return to competitive action within 15 days.
Andrea Pirlo also conducted tests today and, despite the good progress made after picking up a thigh injury in last month’s first leg against Dortmund, Wednesday’s game will come too soon for the midfielder. He will therefore remain in Turin to continue his individual rehabilitation regime.
Tomorrow will see the Bianconeri run through their final preparations during morning training, scheduled for 11.30 CET, with the first 15 minutes open to the media.
After completing their workout, they will depart for Dortmund and take their first look at the Westfalenstadion surface during an official walk around at 17.50.
Shortly after, at 18.30, Massimiliano Allegri and Gigi Buffon will meet the media to discuss the clash from the stadium’s press suite.
