26 August 2023
"It's our first home game, so the fans will give us a big helping hand and that's important. We are looking forward to playing at home, in front of a full house. We'll have to carry the fans along with us by playing well."
That was coach Massimiliano Allegri's first answer in his pre-match press conference on Saturday, looking ahead to Juventus' first home game of the season against Bologna on Sunday.
Our home campaign kicks off on Sunday, August 27, with kick-off set for 18:30 CEST in Turin.
Looking ahead to Bologna
The boss was asked about the state of the squad, and gave updates on Moise Kean, Paul Pogba and Wojciech Szczesny.
"Moise Kean has never been out of the squad. He arrived late once, but that can happen. He suffered a relapse after a knock, but he's available tomorrow. The transfer market? I think we'll stay as we are, and I'm very happy. Pogba is better. He had a good week and responded very well on Wednesday after a very intense training session. He is available tomorrow and he could be used. Szczesny won't be with us tomorrow after he picked up a knock. Perin will play. I have two doubts about the rest of the XI, one in the middle and one out wide."
A young squad
"We have to keep working. The average age of the team has gone down and we have to ride the wave of enthusiasm that the youngsters bring. But, I'll repeat, we need balance, to stay calm, and before anything else we have to work. We have a different team this year, we'll have to run a lot. Every season when we get started I give the team and the staff a direction on how to work, according to the characteristics of the squad we have. We have to get used to winning as many games as we can, continuing to work and improving both as a team and as individuals."
On Thiago Motta's Bologna
"Bologna are a strong team and they proved it last season. Tomorrow we'll face a tough team who did well and created a lot against AC Milan. We'll need to have the right attitude. They have also strengthened in the transfer market, especially by increasing the quality in attack. We will have to be alert, but above all we must maintain the right balance. We must not get overly excited in good moments and we must not let our heads drop in the more difficult spells. As I said, we always need balance. The important thing is to be convinced of how we are working and of our means."
On Saudi Arabia
"Offers from Saudi Arabia? I signed a four-year contract at Juventus and I can't leave now. When I leave Juve I want to leave a team behind me that will have a bright future and one that will continue to fight for success for years to come."
