27 August 2016
Massimiliano Allegri emphasised the importance of entering the September international break with a full points haul after masterminding this evening’s 1-0 triumph over Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.
Despite encountering several difficulties in the first half against a well-drilled Biancocelesti outfit, the visitors dug deep to make it six points from their opening two Serie A encounters, ensuring their quest for a sixth consecutive Scudetto is off to the smoothest of starts.
Speaking to the media in the capital, the boss said: “It was important for us to go into the international break with a good away win under our belts. I’d like to thank the lads today, it wasn’t a straightforward task by any stretch of the imagination.
“It wasn’t easy to play against a well-organised Lazio outfit who came into the encounter following a good result against Atalanta in Bergamo.
“They shut us out in the first half and we made a lot of mistakes, but we raised our game after the break. We still need to improve but it’s a better start than we made last season.”
Weighing in with the winner at the Olimpico was Sami Khedira, on target for the second game in succession, and Allegri was quick to laud the abilities of his talismanic German midfielder when asked for his thoughts on tonight’s key man.
He added: “Khedira’s an extraordinary player and even when he’s not in the best physical condition, he’s always capable of making an impact on the pitch.”
