03 October 2015
Massimiliano Allegri says a convincing performance is the key to claiming all three points when Bologna travel to Juventus Stadium on Sunday evening.
The Bianoconeri approach their final encounter before the second international break of the season in good spirits following Wednesday’s Champions League triumph over Sevilla.
And the Tuscan tactician is eager for his men to sign off in style by getting their league campaign off and running with an overdue Serie A success on home soil.
Speaking to the media in Vinovo, Allegri began: “We need to win tomorrow and in order to do so we have to put in a convincing display.
“You get results by performing well. I don’t really buy into the talk of turning points during the season. I believe in consistent performances and subsequently results.
“The Champions League is a completely different competition to Serie A, so we have to approach tomorrow’s match against Bologna as one of the most important games of the campaign because we haven’t won at home yet.”
Five defeats in their first six games mean the Rossoblu approach tomorrow’s fixture looking to arrest the slide after enduring a tough start to life back in Italy’s top flight.
But despite the bookmakers having the hosts down as strong favourites, Allegri insists the final outcome is anything but a foregone conclusion.
“Bologna are a team that went behind 20 minutes from full time at Fiorentina. Against Udinese they took the lead and from the chance to make it 2-0, they conceded an equaliser. They’re a side with good individuals, such as Brienza, Destro and Mounier, and decent from a technical standpoint.
“We need to have great respect. You can win all your games on paper before kick-off. The problem is winning them on the pitch and so far we’ve only won one.”
After revealing his intention to keep faith with the same starting XI that overcame Sevilla on Wednesday night, Allegri concluded proceedings with an update from the treatment room.
“Compared with Wednesday, Asamoah will return and he’s a lot fitter, as will Padoin. Marchisio is not there yet, so he’ll return after the break.
“All the test results for Sturaro are negative, we’ve even run them again but he’s still got pain in his calf. He’s getting there and I believe he’ll be available for selection after the international break.
“Lemina is fit and he’s in the squad. Pereyra has got a niggle after playing three straight games and will unfortunately miss out against Bologna.”
