10 December 2016
Torino a tough test
“The Derby Della Mole is a different kind of match to any other. It gets people very passionate in this city.
“Torino are a tricky team to play against, not merely because it’s a derby, but they’re quite a bit stronger technically and less physical than in previous years. The three boys up front, Andrea Belotti, Iago Falque and Adem Ljajic, are doing a great job at present.
“Tomorrow we need to be right on top of our game, especially from a physical standpoint, winning our aerial battles and tackles, beating our man. We’re in good shape and feeling equal to the challenge.”
Marathon, not a sprint
“We’ve three crucial matches between now and the end of the year both in terms of our progress in the league and winning the first silverware of the campaign.
“In any case, the season is long, we’ve four games until the midway point in Serie A and we want to reach it with as any points in the bag as possible.”
Team news
“I’ll probably go with four men at the back, given Torino have three guys up top, but I still need to make a final decision on the personnel.
“Paulo Dybala is in good shape and I’ll make a call on whether he plays tomorrow. I’m very happy with Daniele Rugani’s development. He has the right physical and technical attributes, not to mention the ideal temperament, which is most important of all, and I’m sure he’ll play for many years at Juventus.
“Stephan Lichtsteiner, likewise, is a true professional, who always plays brilliantly whenever called upon and, with Dani Alves out injured, he’s the first-choice right-back at the minute.
“In midfield, Claudio Marchisio’s condition is improving all the time and there’s nothing stopping him from playing an excellent match tomorrow.
“Meanwhile, Andrea Barzagli is making huge strides towards a full recovery from his shoulder injury. If we get the go-ahead from the doctors, he’ll be rejoining the rest of the squad in training from the start of next week.”
