21 February 2018
It was a strong return to the lineup for Daniele Rugani making a key intervention in a two-on-one situation to stop Obi and Belotti in Sunday's derby win at Torino and the Tuscan defender talked to the Sky Sport microphones today about it and much more:
"I had to make a choice. I could show Obi onto his weaker right foot or force a pass to Belotti who I was in a better position to mark," said Rugani. "In the end, he passed it and I was able to come back and stop the chance. It was a strong play that I'm satisfied with."
As with any Juventus season, the goals are high and it's no different for Rugani.
"Personally, this year's goal is to improve, play more and have a bigger role in the team as I hope to help us win more trophies. Of course for the team, our goal is to win every competition," said Rugani. "Serie A is the main goal, but so is Coppa Italia and Champions League. We're still alive in all three competitions and will do our best going forward. The next 20 days will be a huge part of the season."
In his third season full-time with the Bianconeri first team, Rugani is nearing his appearance total from last year and knows improvement year over year is the biggest thing.
"Coach Allegri is hard on me in a positive way always pushing me to improve on my protection of the ball and physicality. I have his trust and that's what matters. We're a strong group, not just in the 11 but across the squad. Coach knows who to put on the pitch in every game and knows how to get the best out of all of us."
Up next for Rugani and the Bianconeri? A week of double duty against an Atalanta side that has been impressing both at home and abroad. They'll battle in Serie A on Sunday before facing off in the TIM Cup semi-final second leg on Wednesday, 28 February.
"Atalanta always plays an open game as we saw in Europa League against Borussia Dortmund at a very difficult place to play. There are many young players in the squad, including Italians, and they're a great showcase for Italian football. We'll face a strong team and one that we respect."
