04 October 2014
Massimiliano Allegri is under no illusions of the importance of Sunday evening’s head-to-head with Roma but played down talk of the game having a major say in the destiny of the Scudetto at this early stage of the season.
The Giallorossi have matched the reigning champions all the way during an imperious introduction to the campaign and Allegri appreciates his side will have to be on their game if they are to preserve their 100 per cent Serie A record so far.
Speaking to the media in Vinovo, the 47-year-old began: “Tomorrow’s game is important, but not decisive. Regardless of the final outcome, there are 32 matches still to play and 96 points at stake. Roma are a very technical side, blessed with great physical attributes. They have strengthened in the summer and gained plenty of self belief.
“But Juventus go into the encounter on the back of three consecutive Scudetto wins, are determined to regain their title and always represent a difficult side to beat. It will be an even match-up and we’ll see who’s the best at the end of the season.”
Wednesday’s trip to Madrid saw Juventus slip to their first defeat of the Allegri reign but the boss chose to reflect on the positive aspects of his team’s performance when considering the clash with La Liga champions Atleti.
“Looking back at the game I think the team played with decent personality and weren’t in awe of a side who have won Spain's premier division and almost lifted the Champions League.
“It wasn’t the greatest match and one in which an error would have proved fatal, as it happens it was us who committed one. One fixture doesn’t decide a season, a positive result in Madrid would have put us on a decent footing towards qualification, but defeat doesn’t rule it out either.”
Allegri confirmed that tomorrow’s game will come a little too early for Andrea Pirlo but revealed Kwadwo Asamoah could be in line for a recall after sitting out the last three encounters.
“Andrea hasn’t played for a month and a half and lacks minutes under his belt. The important thing is to have him in the best shape, because he’s a fundamental player who raises our level of quality. Vidal’s condition is improving, he played well on Wednesday, even if he wasn’t at his best, and will only get better with playing.
“One of my doubts is between Asamoah and Evra. Both are extremely reliable and Kwadwo’s time could come tomorrow, because Patrice has played three consecutive games. I’m very happy with his level of performance.”
