06 December 2016
Aggressive from the off
“We need to be full of attacking intent from the first whistle tomorrow in order to build an early lead that will then enable us to preserve our energies later in the game.
“If we don’t manage to do that, we’ll have to play a different kind of match, as they’ll be getting plenty of men behind the ball and making it hard for us to score.”
Team news
“Paulo Dybala will definitely feature for either all or at least some of the second half against Dinamo. He’s been training very well, but isn’t quite in the ideal condition yet to play a full 90 minutes, so we need to ease him back into action gradually. That means Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain will be partnering one another in attack again.
“If I opt for four in defence then Stefano Sturaro will play in the full-back position. Otherwise I need to go with three at the back. Giorgio Chiellini is a doubt for tomorrow night.
“I’ll rest both Alex Sandro and Sami Khedira tomorrow, who’ll be replaced by Patrice Evra and Mario Lemina respectively. Claudio Marchisio, meanwhile, is certain to start.”
Injury updates
“Marko Pjaca’s recovery is coming along nicely. He’s back running and I hope he can start training again with the rest of the squad from next week, but it’ll be difficult to have him available for matches until at least the New Year.
“Andrea Barzagli’s condition has improved significantly and hopefully he’ll be back in time for the match against Roma on 17 December.”
