16 January 2015
Massimiliano Allegri lavished praise on his side after witnessing them breeze past Hellas Verona with this evening’s commanding 6-1 triumph at Juventus Stadium.
Sebastian Giovinco and Simone Pepe were singled out by the boss after staking their claims for more regular first-team action with two goals and a strong 90 minutes respectively.
Speaking to the media in Turin, the 47-year-old began: “It was a fine display tonight. We showed excellent technique and played with plenty of pace, running often towards the opposition goal.
“We didn’t name a second string side. The only players who have featured less, Pepe and Giovinco, performed well and I’m delighted for them. We’ll need everyone to make a contribution over the course of the season.”
Another moment to cherish in a match packed full of positives was a first goal in the black and white stripes for Roberto Pereyra, although Allegri named the Argentine’s overall productivity in the final third as one of two aspects for improvement.
“Pererya scored his first of the season and it was an important goal for him. I think he needs to weigh in with at least six or seven over the course of the campaign. Moreover we mustn’t concede in the way we did from a corner, the second in a row after Napoli. It’s an aspect we need to work on.”
The Tuscan tactician used the inevitable question on the club’s business in the transfer market as the opportunity to close the door on rumours linking Giovinco with a move away from Turin.
“We have good players to develop. If we don’t find anyone capable of improving the squad we’ll blood the youngsters we have. Giovinco has never been up for sale. There’s always plenty of talk, but he’s never expressed a desire to leave.”
