Massimiliano Allegri

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: ‘Tough decisions needed’

May 1, 2015

Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri says ‘tough decisions’ must be taken to curb violence in Italian stadiums.

The Bianconeri will play their next two home games in front of an empty Curva Sud after violence in the derby with Torino, which saw 11 Granata supporters hospitalised after a paper bomb was thrown from the away section.

In addition, the Old Lady’s team bus was assaulted by Toro fans, with rocks smashing a window.

“I think that in Italy we have to start taking some tough decisions,” Allegri told Sky when asked about the violence.

“When you take tough decisions, someone will always be unhappy, but if we want to solve these kind of problems I don’t think it’s enough to close the curva.

“That means 10,000 people pay for the actions of a few idiots, in particular a few violent and dangerous idiots.

“It’s also a social issue, because if you’re assaulting a bus while carrying a child in your arms, I don’t think that’s a very good example for children.

“We need to change in Italy, and at the moment we’re not a country which likes to change things. Making is always very difficult and important.”

[Socrates 8386]

Vindication for Max Allegri as Juventus
claim fourth consecutive Italian title

May 3, 2015

There are few greater satisfactions in life than proving people wrong, silencing the critics, earning the respect of those who begrudged you it and denying the haters the pleasure of schadenfreude.

Of the emotions Massimiliano Allegri experienced as his Juventus players took him on their shoulders and tossed him into the air after a title-clinching 1-0 win against Sampdoria at Marassi on Saturday, surely the final one must have been the prevailing.

Asked to reflect on his early days as Juve coach, Allegri, with the dry sense of humour typical of those from Livorno, which explains his nickname - acciuga, the anchovy -- reminded everyone of his first game in charge. It was a friendly against amateur side Lucento and even with Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez involved, Juventus lost 3-2.

The Allegri sceptics seized upon it as proof of his inadequacy and they weren't a minority. His record at Milan had greatly divided opinion and the fact Juventus' first Scudetto under Antonio Conte in 2011-12 came at his expense only added to the impression among supporters that he was of inferior ability.

They feared the worst and lashed out. A fanbase was hurting. After all, they hadn't wanted Conte to go. At his final home in May 2014 against Cagliari a huge choreography showed him pointing the way. Accompanying cards bore his name and played on it too. "Con-te", they read: With you.

They were losing one of their own, an all-time Juve great as a player, captain and coach. Following him would be a hard act for anyone and Allegri's past and the perception of his work appeared to make it even harder, which meant his appointment was deeply unpopular.

Only last month, Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta recalled how the car taking Allegri to his official unveiling had been kicked, spat at and pelted with eggs. Fans sang Conte's name and chanted "we don't want you" and much worse towards Allegri.

This was on July 15 after Conte had left it late to resign. Rather than quit at the end of last season, he had gone on holiday, thought about things and handed in his notice only after the first day of pre-season. President Andrea Agnelli was bitterly disappointed and expected more of his outgoing manager. Now everything they'd worked for was in jeopardy.

The club's transfer strategy was thrown out of kilter. Juan Manuel Iturbe had a plane ticket for Turin but flew to the capital and joined Roma instead -- a lucky escape, in hindsight -- while Patrice Evra needed a call to reassure him that he still figured in Juventus' plans.

Swift and decisive action was required and the club had to get their managerial decision right. At the time, most believed they were getting it horribly wrong and there was little confidence in Allegri. The expectation was that 2014-15 would be Roma's year and that Napoli would be stronger too in Rafa Benitez's second season in charge.

Hindsight is 20-20 but Juventus' crisis management couldn't have been better. They didn't panic or do anything rash. On the contrary, they remained calm, rational, showed clarity of thought and ensured their success, rather than being compromised, would continue instead. That's the mark of well-run club.

Allegri merits great credit too, not only for the job he has done but for taking it in the first place. Between bravery and stupidity there is a very thin line and many had Allegri down as a fool.

After all, Conte had strung together three straight Scudetti for the first time in Juventus' history since 1933, each one better than the last: an undefeated campaign followed by more points, more wins and more goals the next, before one for the ages in his last, featuring a record 102 points and a perfect home record.

"To take charge of the team on July 15 and lead them to victory again took balls!" Agnelli tweeted last night. It certainly wasn't for the feint-hearted.

When a team wins as regularly as Juventus do and by the margin they have done with four games to spare -- a club record Allegri can call his own -- there's a temptation to take it for granted, to believe that showing up is enough on its own for them to be crowned champions.

Indeed, captain Gianluigi Buffon admitted "the others helped us a little" by not running Juventus as hard as in other years but that should by no means diminish this achievement because this season was anything but routine.

"We started it amid chaos," Leonardo Bonucci recalled. The futures of Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal were subject to potentially destabilising transfer gossip and most of the squad didn't have the summer off because of the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Andrea Barzagli, a cornerstone of the "BBC" defence with Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, returned injured and wouldn't feature until March. Kwadwo Asamoah and new signing Romulo joined him in the treatment room and are only beginning to emerge.

Andrea Pirlo missed the first month of the season, meaning it was a while before the speculation could be definitively put to rest about his relationship with Allegri, who, according to the received wisdom had been the architect of Milan's downfall and Juventus' rise by marginalising the midfielder at San Siro and sending him to Turin.

Of course Il Maestro returned in time for the top of the table clash with Roma in October. That game saw Vidal, whose goal put the seal on the Scudetto against Samp on Saturday, benched after a fracas outside a nightclub for which he received a club record fine. The Chilean has spent much of this season going through the motions and is only now coming back to his best.

Juventus beat Roma 3-2 but not without controversy. The pretenders to their throne may have lost but, galvanised by a perceived sense of justice and how well they competed, flew back to the capital convinced their wait for a first title since 2001 would end in May. "We will win the Scudetto," Rudi Garcia declared.

"I think they really believe what they say," Allegri told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "And they do well to. Roma are strong and are coming off a great season. The fact is that now there is nowhere left to hide. The pressure is great for them because another second place wouldn't be enough, it would be a great disappointment, a little failure."

While he was doing better than anticipated, suspicion of Allegri lingered. Juventus had gone to Atletico Madrid and Olympiakos and lost in the Champions League. It felt like a case of different coach, same results in Europe and this was supposed to be the one area Allegri could do better than Conte.

Looking back on the season, Buffon claims there wasn't any single pivotal moment in the campaign but Olympiakos' visit to Turin in November had the feel of a turning point. Allegri would bide his time before making this team his own, sensibly leaving his ego at the door and respecting the work done before him by taking the view that, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

He persisted with Conte's 3-5-2 system, which left him open to accusations that he was bringing nothing new. However, at a time when Juventus' Champions League future was on the line and the stakes couldn't have been much higher, Allegri took a risk and changed to a 4-3-1-2.

Not only did the Old Lady come back and win, he gave the people what they had long been calling for and entered into their hearts. "Fiuuu" he tweeted in relief after the game. Now a cult phrase among Juventini, Allegri had taken the first step to winning them over and to delivering the step-change the club desired on the continent.

Since then, Juventus haven't looked back. Roma stayed on their tails until January -- when the gap was only a point -- but then began to fade and fast. After every title defence the question put to them has been: do they have the same hunger and desire? What motivation is left domestically?

Calciopoli, the revoked titles and the wait for another still burns for Buffon, Chiellini and Claudio Marchisio, veterans, for whom the fear is that this could be their last also drives them on too. But this year was mostly about showing Juve could win without Conte and that the last three titles weren't all down to him.

It has not been a perfect campaign. Juventus lost at home for the first time since April 2013, suffered their first defeat vs. Torino in the Derby della Mole in 20 years and also allowed bankrupt cellar dwellers Parma to get the better of them.

Numbers-wise, the Bianconeri are currently 11 points worse off than at this stage a year ago, although that is more an indictment on Roma and the rest of the league.

However, the emotions have probably been more memorable. A statement win against Dortmund and a first Champions League semifinal in 12 years, as well as the Coppa semifinal comeback against Fiorentina have given rise to the prospect of a treble and, if not that, then a first league and cup double since 1995.

Such an achievement would only be the third in club history. A Coppa win vs. Lazio next month would also be a 10th triumph in that competition, a feat no club has achieved and which would be commemorated by a silver star. As Chiellini said yesterday the season is far from over.

The only Juventus employers drinking champagne yesterday were Marotta and the physios. Celebrations were restrained because the players have Tuesday's clash with Real Madrid on their minds. However, in Buffon's words this Scudetto still has "a special taste."

Allegri will savour it more than most. Only the seventh coach to win the league with two different clubs in Italy and the first to do it in his debut season at each, few will question his credentials again. Max has taken his revenge.

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: Juventus’ Goal Is To Exceed 80 Points

May 8, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has stated that his side’s goal is to exceed 80 points in the current Serie A season.

The Bianconeri were crowned champions following their win over Sampdoria on Saturday, and the former AC Milan coach has assured that he will make some changes to the line-up in their upcoming game against Cagliari.

“Our goal is to exceed 80 points, tomorrow we’re against Cagliari and then we’re at home against Napoli, then we have two away games, so there are still 12 points.

“The team have given a lot in recent games, so I’ll need to change the line-up. Everyone has more or less played, except Romulo who could be given a chance.”

Allegri then went on to comment on the fact that they were able to reach the semi-final of the Champions League, win the Scudetto, and reach the final of the Coppa Italia without star midfielder Paul Pogba who has returned from injury after almost 49 days.

“Yesterday, he trained really well and worked well with the ball,” he said. “Tomorrow he can start or feature, it’s very important to get him in full shape for the game against.

“It shows that the board have done really well, young players were brought in who settled in and adapted to Juventus. For a young man to play and be under pressure to win is never easy.

“[Alvaro] Morata and [Kingsley] Coman had some difficult moments at the start, [stefano] Sturaro has proven to be a really good player, and [Roberto] Pereyra is playing like a veteran despite being only 23.

“They are on the rise, and they will be ready to replace older players once their time is up.”

The former Cagliari coach then went on to speak about his side’s performance in their 2-1 first leg Champions League semi-final win against Real Madrid, stating that Carlos Tevez’s angry reaction after being substituted was normal.

“People criticised [Andrea] Pirlo’s performance on Tuesday but he played really well,” he said.

“[Carlos] Tevez’s reaction is normal, it is normal for any player who gets replaced to be angry, he had a fantastic season this season and he has the potential to do it again.

“We want to reach the final, Real Madrid are a team of the highest quality. Barcelona are also an excellent side, their front three [containing Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar] are mesmerising.

“The Champions League is strange, the other day I thought about it and I realised that last season Atletico Madrid lost it by conceding a corner in the final minute.

‘Milan lost it having been 3-0 up in the first half [in the 2005 final against Liverpool], whilst also winning it with a ball that deflected off Inzaghi [in the 2007 final, also against the Reds].

“It’s important to have reached this level, let’s enjoy it.”

[Socrates 8386]

Birindelli: ‘Allegri fantastic’

May 14, 2015

Former Juventus defender Alessandro Birindelli praises ‘fantastic’ Max Allegri, and believes the club’s success is good for Italian football.

The Bianconeri reached the final of the Champions League last night, following up their 2-1 win over Real Madrid in Turin with a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu.

“As a Juventus fan and former player, I’m very happy,” Birindelli told Tuttomercatoweb.

“I’m also happy for Italian football, which has returned to the level which matters. Considering the state of football and the country in general, it’s great to see things like yesterday.

“As with every line of work, if you have a good plan, and if you work with love, determination and passion then you can achieve important things.

“It takes luck, of course, but fortune favours the brave.”

Birindelli also had high praise for Coach Max Allegri, who was not a universally popular figure when he replaced Antonio Conte this summer.

“I think that the three years under Conte created a solid foundation, giving this squad its core. Those years were used to grow, and to be able to manage these kind of games.

“Allegri was fantastic in handling everything, without changing anything. When he arrived in Turin, everyone was against him, but he swallowed those bitter pills.

“He gave belief, encouragement and motivation to a team which was missing that one step to get to where it is now - in the final of the Champions League.”

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: ‘Historic year for Juventus’

May 14, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri describes Juventus’ season as ‘historic’, and predicts people will tell their children about it.

The Bianconeri have already secured the Scudetto, and are in the final of both the Champions League and the Coppa Italia.

“This is a historic year for Juventus, one to tell our children about when we’re old,” Allegri told JTV.

“I came here thinking we could have a fantastic season, [but] I didn’t think we’d be in the final of all competitions in May.

“We can’t ask for more than this after the League, and now we want to bring home the other two trophies.

“Now we must work to end our season in an extraordinary way.

“At this point of the season we have to maintain our condition to try to get to June 6 [the Champions League final] in top condition.

“We’re having a great season, and now we’re in two very important finals.

“First of all we’ll try to win the Coppa Italia. The players, staff and coaches of the past few years will go down in history.

“We’ll play the Coppa Italia against a very good team, and it’s clearly difficult, because it’s a final.

“As for the Champions League, it’s possible to beat Barcelona in a one-off game. Over two legs it would be very difficult.

“In a one-off game anything can happen, so we’ll see who’s in the best shape in a month’s time.”

The Old Lady’s European campaign has given Serie A’s coefficient a significant boost, and Allegri hopes Fiorentina and Napoli can continue that in the Europa League.

“We hope the other two teams can make it to the Europa League final. Italian football is not something to be dismissed, quite the opposite.”

Finally, the former Milan Coach reflected on his side’s Scudetto win, with the title having been wrapped up two weeks ago.

“We had a great League campaign, where Juve were always in the lead,” Allegri recalled.

“In the second half of the season we had two bad performances, against Cesena and Parma.

“Against Parma we could say that it’s because we were playing a Champions League quarter-final [against Monaco], the lads did well to react.

“We had a great season, maintaining our balance.”

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri reveals Conte message & calls
for calm ahead of Champions League final

The Juve boss said the man he succeeded at the helm congratulated him
on winning the Scudetto and discussed next month's clash with Barcelona.

May 15, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has revealed that predecessor Antonio Conte sent him a congratulatory text after this season's Serie A title triumph.

Conte completely reinvigorated the Old Lady, taking control in 2011 after consecutive seventh-placed finishes and then leading the Turin-based club to three successive Scudetti.

The club icon then sensationally parted company with the club last summer, after an alleged dispute with his bosses over their transfer plans for the 2014-15 campaign.

Allegri, his replacement, has enjoyed a stellar debut season, wrapping up the Serie A title with four rounds to spare, as well as qualifying for both the Coppa Italia and Champions League finals.

It has been suggested that Conte has been shown up for an alleged lack of faith in the strength of his squad, given that he famously said before his departure that "one can't eat in a €100 restaurant with €10".

However, Allegri says that the current Italy boss has been just as enthused by Juve's success this season as everyone else and humbly suggested that he has benefited from a slice of good fortune that maybe his predecessor lacked.

“Antonio sent me a message after we won the league,” Allegri told journalists on Friday. “So, now you have an exclusive, and you’re all happy!

“I think this team has important attributes, players who are European and world-class, so it’s normal that we could reach the Champions League final.

“Of course, in addition to being good it also takes a bit of luck. But I think this team still has room for improvement, with the things we do in the game and the speed of our movements. I believe we can still do that.

“Then, of course, having good players helps, because without the players you can hardly achieve the important results which Juventus did in the three years of Conte and the one year of Allegri.

“There have been many games where we played well, but then there was an important game like in Monaco [in the Champions League quarter-finals] where we didn’t play well but took home the result.

“Then there’s Madrid [in the semi-final second leg], where we could have won, they could have won and it eventually ended in a draw. That’s what matters to us, and we got to the final."

Given all of the hysteria surrounding Juve's appearance in their first Champions League decider since 2003, Allegri called on his troops to concentrate on Saturday's Serie A clash with AC Milan and, more significantly, next week's Coppa Italia showdown with Lazio.

“First thing first, we have to prepare for the game tomorrow,” Allegri added.

“Then, on Sunday, we start preparing for the Coppa Italia final. After the Coppa Italia, we have Napoli, where we’ll be presented the Scudetto on the pitch.

“I don’t know when the party will be. These are details, the club will let you know when there will be a party. Then we have a week where we can get a few days of rest, where we have to prepare for this Champions League final without getting too worked up, so we don’t arrive there with anxiety.

“It’s a final, we’ll play it knowing that we’re facing a very strong team in Barcelona, but also knowing that we have a very good chance of taking home this Champions League.

“It won’t be easy, but I don’t think a Champions League final is ever easy. We must not play it with stress, so we must remember the final is on June 6. We can’t play it before then, and we can’t move it.”

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri to get Juve raise

May 16, 2015

Max Allegri could receive a Juventus contract extension with an impressive raise after reaching the Champions League Final.

According to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, the club will increase his wages from €2m per season to €3.5m.

The contract would run to June 2017 with an option to extend for one more year.

The Coach took over from Antonio Conte when pre-season training had already begun and was greeted with furious protests by Bianconeri fans.

However, the ex-Milan boss won them all over by winning the Scudetto, reaching the Coppa Italia Final and getting Juve to the Champions League Final for the first time in 12 years.

He could complete the Treble, as the Coppa Italia Final with Lazio is on May 20 and they face Barcelona in Berlin on June 6.

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: ‘Barça are world’s best’

May 22, 2015

Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri believes Barcelona are ‘the best team in the world’, but does not fear them ahead of the Champions League final.

The Bianconeri will meet the Catalan side in Berlin on June 6, seeking to win the competition for the first time since 1996.

“They are the strongest team in the world,” Allegri admitted in an interview with il Tirreno in his native Livorno.

“However, we’re feeling good, and we’ll go there to play. I’m serious, we will play. My team gives me physical and mental guarantees, it really is a great squad.

“Tomorrow we’ll think about Napoli, and then we’ll start preparing for that game with a sense of calm.

“The truth is we haven’t been able to catch our breath for two months, even to celebrate.

“Chiellini and Luis Suarez? It will be an interesting battle between two champions.”

Allegri also reflected on the state of Italian football, and believes clubs must give more opportunities to youth.

“In Tuscany there are fantastic youth systems, such as Empoli and Fiorentina, so it’s not like we have to discard our entire football system, we’re too self-defeating in Italy.

“It is true, however, that it’s difficult for young players, the Primavera League isn’t enough, the youth teams would have to be playing in Serie D or the Lega Pro.

“I don’t think there’s a lack of talent. Clubs should invest more in youngsters, that’s true, but unfortunately, in Italy immediate results matter more than anything.”

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: Juventus want to spoil Xavi's party

The Champions League final will be the veteran's final match for Barcelona
and the Italian coach wants to ensure it is a disappointing day for him.

May 22, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri says his side are hoping to spoil iconic Barcelona midfielder Xavi's farewell when they meet in the Champions League final.

Both sides are in with a chance of completing a treble when they meet in Berlin in June 6, with Juve already having two trophies under their belt and Barca still to face Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final before the European showpiece.

Xavi announced on Thursday that he will leave Camp Nou this summer to join Qatari side Al Sadd, meaning the final will be his last appearance in a 24-year period with the club.

Allegri insists his side will be out to make the occasion a disappointing one for the Spain and Barca legend.

"It will be the last game for Xavi, an extraordinary player for Barcelona and the Spanish national team, but we hope to spoil the party," he told reporters.

Juve needed an extra-time goal from Alessandro Matri to beat Lazio in the Coppa Italia final on Wednesday and Allegri believes his side's struggles against a team currently 17 points behind them in Serie A proves the Bianconeri have a chance against the highly favoured Catalans.

"Barca have three great players in attack in Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez and they have Andres Iniesta dictating the pace in midfield," he said.

"Seeing the points difference in the league between us and Lazio, the Italian Cup final would have appeared to have been a foregone conclusion, but that is not how it went. It will be the same thing in Berlin.

"They are used to playing in finals, but we won't be at a disadvantage because of our inexperience and our positivity will be important.

"We will work on the mental and physical aspects to get into optimal condition for the game."

Allegri took the time to praise Gianluigi Buffon, who he believes has already shown he is deserving of the Ballon d'Or.

"I am always pleased to talk about Buffon," he said. "He is an extraordinary player, a professional with values. Considering his career, whatever the outcome of this final, he deserves the Ballon d'Or."

The Serie A champions take on Napoli in their penultimate league game on Saturday and the 47-year-old says they must look for the three points to keep their momentum going before they take on Luis Enrique's men.

Allegri said: “It's an important game ahead of the Champions League final. In order to keep the team in good physical condition, we have to keep training and playing.

“Against Lazio, we played without Claudio Marchisio, Stefano Sturaro, Paul Pogba, and Alvaro Morata, so some players will be available to face Napoli.

"The game doesn't mean anything in terms of the league title, but we can keep our undefeated run of home games going."

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri Set For Longer Deal Than Expected

May 23, 2015

Juventus would be reportedly keen to keep new coach Massimiliano Allegri for longer than it had first been expected.

Allegri is fresh from winning the Coppa Italia against Lazio, after sealing a fourth consecutive Scudetto for Juventus. The Bianconeri hierarchy would be keen to reward their new coach’s achievements with a long-term deal.

Allegri was first expected to resign until 2017. However, the latest reports say that Allegri will be awarded a deal until 2018 instead, according to Sport Mediaset.

Juventus are set for a Champions League final on June 6, which sees Allegri on the cusp of an impressive treble of trophies.

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: ‘Juve, repeat 2006’

May 25, 2015

Max Allegri hopes his Juventus side can emulate Italy’s 2006 World Cup winners, by winning the Champions League final in Berlin.

Current Bianconeri stars Andrea Pirlo, Gigi Buffon and Andrea Barzagli were part of the Azzurri side which emerged victorious from Olympiastadion, and the Coach wants a repeat.

“It’s a final, we’re better off playing a one-off match,” Allegri mused as he collected the Enzo Bearzot award.

“We hope to repeat the achievement of the Azzurri in 2006. The game on June 6 is easy to prepare for, less so was the Coppa Italia final.

“This season has been extraordinary for Italian football, but the film is not over. Juventus are in the final in Berlin, but not just that, two teams [Fiorentina and Napoli] went close in the Europa League.

“The national team is doing well too, we don’t have to discard everything we’re doing in Italy, but work on positive things like infrastructure or the future of the kids.

“Serie A is not worse than other Leagues, it’s just different.”

Allegri also reflected on his arrival in Turin, which was not greeted with universal acclaim.

“I always thought I could coach at a certain level. I’m different to when I was Coach at Milan, I’m happy to Coach Juventus and I’m enjoying the moment.

“We’ll try to win the fifth Scudetto in a row next year, that’s our main goal.

“My reception? It was understandable, but I found a club here which protected me, and an extraordinary group of lads, real men, many of them internationals.”

Finally, the Livorno native addressed comparisons between himself and his predecessor, Antonio Conte.

“In football, all that counts is who wins,” Allegri considered.

“One Coach isn’t better than the other, we’re just different. We both won at Juventus.”

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: 'No Messi anxiety'

May 29, 2015

Max Allegri says Juventus must have no 'Messi anxiety' ahead of the game against Barcelona.

The Bianconeri play their last Serie A game against Verona tomorrow, but predictably most attention is being diverted to the upcoming Champions League final on June 6.

“I think it's normal that we should be enthusiastic,” he said in today's Press conference. “It's unlikely that a season like this one is going to be repeated, because we played on three different fronts and went all the way in all of them.

“We won two of them, now let's see what happens on Saturday. The team could have done no more.

“A final is a final and our problems become secondary.

“We have no advantages here, but we must be conscious of having a real chance against a great team, and we must hope for a touch of luck to favour the underdog, as is often the case in Champions League finals.

“We must have no 'Messi-anxiety', or for that matter any 'Neymar-anxiety'. I don't get why we should.

“They're fabulous players. When you take part in these games it's a given that you'll face world-class adversaries, but this shouldn't be a source of anxiety.

“Besides, if we made it to the final it means we have as many qualities and characteristics as those who are before us.

“We know they have some important players upfront as well as in the midfield, where [Andrés] Iniesta is an extraordinary player.

“But we must stay calm and play with enthusiasm, or we could compromise our chances of winning the cup.

“This week must be approached like any other. The potential prize is on a different level, but we must avoid thinking about the final 24 hours a day or we'll burn mental energy.

“It's such an extraordinary event, and it's so wonderful to be playing it, that our enthusiasm and adrenaline must absolutely not turn into anxiety.

“At the end of the day it's a football game, and to play it you need serenity."

The 47-year-old was also asked whether he'd rest Carlos Tevez, who could potentially be one of the key men against the Blaugrana.

“He'll play tomorrow because he wasn't able to last Saturday [against Napoli] and we must give him the chance to reach [top goalscorer Luca] Toni.

“I think both of them deserve to be top goalscorer. Toni deserves a special mention because I don't think anyone can do what he did, and with such professionalism, at the age of 38.

“Juventus and Barcelona have different characteristics. We have some important qualities and Barcelona have others.

“We'll have to do what we did against Real Madrid, perhaps more so.

“We've got to be good because it's a one-time match and there will be no second leg.

“But right now I think there's no point in talking about Barcelona. We'll think about them starting from Monday.

“On Sunday, after tomorrow's game, I'll give the lads a rest and then we'll have a training session on Monday, perhaps with open doors.

“Then it's going to be an easy ride until Berlin.

“The FIFA scandal? We must wait before passing judgment. But these are matters that don't concern me, because I must be competent in other fields. I'm a man of the pitch.

“Paulo Dybala? He's an important player. He has the potential to become a great champion because he's only 21-years-old.

“He had a significant season with Palermo, so I like him. No, we haven't spoken yet.”

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: Heysel a black page in world
sport and the history of Juventus

The Bianconeri boss, his staff and entire squad will attend a memorial
service on Friday to commemorate the deaths of 39 people in Brussels 30 years ago.

May 29, 2015

Massimiiliano Allegri has described the Heysel Stadium disaster as "a black page in world sport and the history of Juventus".

Speaking on the 30th anniversary of the tragedy, which saw 39 people die after Liverpool fans charged a wall during violent clashes before the 1985 European Cup final, the Bianconeri boss voiced his support for a growing campaign among the Italian club's followers for greater recognition of what happened on that fateful evening and widespread acknowledgement of the continued suffering of the victims' families.

“What happened 30 years ago, on that tragic night, was a black page in world sport and the history of Juventus," Allegri told reporters at a press conference on Friday afternoon.

"Today we commemorate the victims and our hearts go out to their relatives."

Allegri, his backroom team and entire squad will attend a memorial service in Turin's Gran Madre de Dio church on Friday evening before departing for Verona for their final Serie A game of the season.

The 47-year-old coach is expected to rest players for the meeting with Andrea Mandorlini's men at the Marcantonio Bentegodi but revealed that he will start Carlos Tevez.

Juve face Barcelona in the Champions League final on June 6, with both sides bidding to complete a treble, but Allegri is willing to allow his star striker to play, given the Argentina international currently sits one goal behind Verona striker Luca Toni in the battle for this season's Capocannoniere.

“It will be an important game for us as it’s our final test before the Champions League final," the Juve boss added.

"We need to focus exclusively on Verona in order to round off our season on the best possible note.

“I still haven’t fully decided on my starting line-up but Tevez will play.

"He wasn’t involved last Saturday and will have the opportunity to draw level with and overtake Toni in the Serie A top scorers' list.

"Both would be deserved winners for their achievements this season.”

[Socrates 8386]

Grading Massimiliano Allegri on
Juventus' 2014/15 Serie A Season

Jun 1, 2015

There is little doubt that the 2014-15 season has been hugely positive one for Juventus, the club winning a fourth consecutive Serie A title with ease. Having also lifted the Coppa Italia for the first time since 1995, and with the Champions League final still to play, the Bianconeri have already enjoyed great success.

Whatever the result against Barcelona on June 6, there is little doubt that the Old Lady and her supporters will look back fondly on this campaign for years to come. Yet it did not begin in such happy circumstances, with the appointment of Massimiliano Allegri initially met with widespread derision among fans and neutral observers alike.

"He joined the club amidst a great deal of scepticism but he's succeeded in keeping this team moving forward,” director general Beppe Marotta said of the coach back in March, per the club’s official website. Appointed the day after Antonio Conte quit the role, Allegri had very little time to prepare and arrived with his reputation at an all-time low following his dismissal by Milan just six months earlier.

Wisely starting the season by changing very little of the team he inherited, he retained both the formation and line-up favoured by his predecessor. Sticking with the 3-5-2 framework that had been central to the success of the Bianconeri over the previous three seasons proved an intelligent decision, as they recorded seven wins and one draw in their opening eight fixtures.

Wins against newly promoted Empoli and Palermo followed, but sandwiched between them was a disappointing loss to Genoa. That compounded defeats to Atletico Madrid and Olympiakos in the Champions League, and prompted Allegri to make changes and finally make the team his own.

Switching to a back four brought immediate results, not only restoring focus to a side in danger of becoming stale, but also making them much more threatening in attack. That was evident in their 3-2 win over the same Greek opponents, before a 7-0 demolition of Parma reinforced the point.

From there, Juventus have played with remarkable consistency, conceding just 24 goals this term as the champions kept a remarkable 18 clean sheets in the league alone. Also leading all teams thanks to a tally of 72 goals, there is little doubting the impact the coach has made, leading them to the title by a margin of 16 points.

It is difficult to judge Allegri solely on the Serie A campaign alone, as he has often rested players ahead of key Champions League fixtures, his skilled rotation of the side allowing them to compete on three fronts for the first time in recent memory.

That has allowed Juventus to benefit from sustained excellence from players such as Patrice Evra and Carlos Tevez, while also nursing Arturo Vidal back to full health following his summer knee surgery.

Evra is one of many new signings to be successfully integrated by the Livorno-born tactician, who has also proven his ability to develop young players throughout the season. The quality of Alvaro Morata was evident in his fleeting appearances at former club Real Madrid, but an increase in playing time has seen the Spaniard make a huge leap forward in 2015.

Allegri deserves immense credit for that, and he is also at least partially responsible for the rapid progress of Roberto Pereyra. Now good enough to be a member of Argentina’s Copa America squad, the utility player signed from Udinese has blossomed under the coach’s guidance in Turin.

His running on the ball has been a neat addition to the Bianconeri attack, while his defensive diligence has been vital in the biggest matches. Stefano Sturaro has also shone, the 22-year-old making an impact following his January move from Genoa, Allegri calling upon him more and more as the season reached its climax.

Tactically astute, with a firm grasp of what lays ahead for his team and how each of his players was performing at all times, there is little doubt Max Allegri has been a major factor in Juve’s success this season.


Allegri’s Grade for Serie A 2014-15: A

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri set for Juventus renewal

Jun 10, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri is meeting with Juventus today, with a new contract for the Coach expected to be announced.

The former Milan man enjoyed a fantastic season with the Bianconeri, winning Serie A and the Coppa Italia, as well as reaching the Champions League final.

A meeting is taking place today at the Old Lady’s headquarters, Corso Galileo Ferraris in Turin, with Allegri meeting with director general Giuseppe Marotta and sporting director Fabio Paratici.

It’s thought the new deal will see the Coach’s contract extended until 2017 on improved terms.

The club’s transfer strategy is also likely to be up for discussion, having already secured Paulo Dybala and Sami Khedira for next season.

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: ‘Morata worth €70-80m’

Jun 15, 2015

Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri values Spanish striker Alvaro Morata highly and has revealed his appreciation of Chelsea’s Oscar.

The Old Lady boss also confirmed his club are negotiating with Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic, thinks it will be hard to reject a mammoth offer for Paul Pogba and says Carlos Tevez's future is in his own hands.

Speaking in an interview with La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, Allegri underlined his belief that 22-year-old forward Morata is a valuable asset.

“If we must sell Morata, I’d hope that the club takes in at least €70-80m as that is his true value,” he said.

“I think we must look to him and also to [Kingsley] Coman, who is another youngster with exceptional quality.

The Coach revealed that he has asked for a ‘number ten’ attacking midfielder and expressed his admiration of Brazil international Oscar, while explaining the ongoing situation with Mandzukic.

“It’s true that I asked for a number ten,” said Allegri.

“I like Oscar a lot. He’s a player who can make the difference on the European stage as well, which is great as it’s not a given that a great league player can perform in Europe.

“I like him, but I also like Isco, [Javier] Pastore, [Angel] Di Maria and [Toni] Kroos.

“There aren’t many centre forwards in circulation. Mandzukic, Higuain…not many others.

“Mandzukic would be a good element to help relaunch our attack. The contract isn’t a formality, but there is the desire to go forward together.”

As for current Bianconeri stars Pogba and Tevez, Allegri explained that it could be hard to turn down a rumoured large bid for the Frenchman but that it is up to Tevez whether to stay or go.

“This is a club decision and not a managerial one, but certainly it’s hard to say no to some figures.

“But if Paul stays he must do so with the right attitude and without regret, because what we’ve achieved this season is only the beginning.

“It’s up to Tevez whether to stay or not. But I repeat that whoever stays must know that the work for next season will be even more intense.”

[Socrates 8386]

Prandelli was close to Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/67947/prandelli-was-close-juventus?

Jun 18, 2015

Cesare Prandelli reveals he could have joined Juventus on two occasions, and discusses his Galatasaray experience.

The former Italy CT is currently out of work after being dismissed by the Turkish club, and explains he turned down the Bianconeri twice before taking the Azzurri job.

“Was I close to Juventus? A few years ago, yes,” Prandelli explained, in an interview with Corriere dello Sport.

“The first time, when I was at Parma, I spoke to [Luciano] Moggi, [Antonio] Giraudo and [Roberto] Bettega.

“The second time was before I renewed with Fiorentina and I spoke to [Alessio] Secco, and the third time I spoke with Bettega when Fiorentina said I could speak to other clubs.

“Then I went to the national team.”

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: 'Mandzukic will do well'

http://www.football-italia.net/67998/allegri-mandzukic-will-do-well?

Jun 19, 2015

Max Allegri welcomed Mario Mandzukic to Juventus, but admits Paul Pogba and Andrea Pirlo must decide their next steps.

The Coach spoke to Sky Sport Italia during the launch of his training camp for young players.

“It has been an important year. We fell just short at the Final, but it was a good Champions League campaign. At the decisive moment in that Final, the next goal would win. Unfortunately, Barcelona scored it.

“We should’ve defended better on the first goal and Gigi Buffon did well to prevent 2-0 in the first half, but after that it was a good and even game.”

Juventus are revamping this summer with Mandzukic from Atletico Madrid, as Carlos Tevez is heading back to Boca Juniors.

They also signed Sami Khedira on a free transfer and Paulo Dybala from Palermo for approximately €40m.

“All of them can play, as during the season there will be room for everybody. We went all the way in every competition because of the strength in depth.

“It’s not that we have to replace Tevez, but rather sign players and evaluate the playing style. Mandzukic has arrived, we have Simone Zaza, Kingsley Coman, Alvaro Morata and Dybala – all young players of great quality.

“By the end of the transfer window I could have 10 players in the squad born after 1990.

“Mandzukic scored goals in every League, has strong character, is of an international level and will do well. We signed Mandzukic because we specifically wanted him. He’s a great player and I am very happy.”

There are strong reports that Allegri has requested Chelsea talent Oscar as well.

“We are completing the squad. You can have money to spend, but if the parent clubs don’t want to sell, then you can have €1bn and not get anywhere.

“Will we sign a winger who can play 4-3-3? The last pick could well have those characteristics, yes.”

While Tevez is on his way out, Pirlo and Pogba are also considering their futures.

“Pirlo has to decide whether to continue at certain levels or have an experience abroad. He will tell the club after four extraordinary years. He was decisive again this season.

“The club has no need to sell Pogba, but it will also depend on what the player wants. I spoke to him and he’s happy to stay. He is young and still needs time at Juventus to grow.

“He has a long career in front of him, plus Juve are a big club and he’ll have the right motivation for another important year.”

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri Considering Tactical Change

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/juventus-coach-allegri-considering-tactical-change/??

Jun 21, 2015

A tactical revolution could be on the cards at Juventus Stadium as Massimiliano Allegri considers switching to a 4-3-3 formation for 2015/16.

The Bianconeri have been set up around the 4-4-2 diamond and 3-5-2 systems under both Allegri and former coach Antonio Conte, but in a recent interview the ex-AC Milan coach alluded towards a move to 4-3-3.

“Playing wingers in a 4-3-3?” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia, “the next player we sign could have the right characteristics for doing that.”

This could be a big hint as to the next player that joins the Old Lady, with the Serie A champions having already acquired the likes of Sami Khedira and Paulo Dybala in the early weeks of the transfer window.

Allegri, of course, won the Scudetto with the Rossoneri by playing a similar 4-4-2 diamond formation to the one played by Juve last season, so this would signal a large change from the Italian’s previous successes.

[Socrates 8386]

Juventus Contract Offer Will Be No Formality For Allegri

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/juventus-contract-offer-will-be-no-formality-for-allegri/?http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/juventus-contract-offer-will-be-no-formality-for-allegri/?

Jun 21, 2015

Juventus sporting director Beppe Marotta is expected to discuss a new deal with coach Massimiliano Allegri, when the tactician returns from Sardinia in the second week of July.

Having reached the Champions League final at the end of last season, the Bianconeri were undone by a rampant Barcelona side but having already secured the Serie A title and Coppa Italia trophy, the Turin-based outfit nonetheless had a very successful campaign.

According to La Stampa, Allegri’s performance in his first year has meant that he will be offered an extra 12 months on top of his current contract, which was set to expire in 2016, as well as a salary of €2.5 million per season.

However, due to the hastiness in which the former AC Milan boss was hired after previous incumbent Antonio Conte left the club, Allegri is expected to request an improvement on this offer, in line with salaries earned by other top Italian league coaches.

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri Targeting Fifth Straight Serie A Title For Juventus

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/allegri-targeting-fifth-straight-serie-a-title-for-juventus/?

 
Jun 23, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is hoping for a fifth straight Serie A title for the Bianconeri as preparations for the 2015/16 season continue.

After confirming the signing of striker Mario Mandzukic, the Old Lady seem to only get stronger as they add experienced players such as Sami Khedira to their squad alongside up and coming talents including Paulo Dybala.

“I hope that Juventus can go and win their fifth Serie A title in a row,” the Italian coach told an event at Aglianese Calcio, the final team he played for and subsequently took charge of in 2003.

“I hope that this year Aglianese can win the championship, I had a very positive experience here and if I had not started here then I would not be coach of Juventus.”

Tuscan side Aglianese play in the seventh tier of Italian football, the Prima Categoria, and clearly holds a special place in the 47-year-old’s heart, leading to being awarded honorary citizenship of the city of Agliana.

“I spent two wonderful years here and I believe Agliana will always remain in my heart. I still follow Aglianese today.”

[Socrates 8386]

Isco and Oscar would be
perfect Juventus 'wildcards' - Allegri

The head coach of the beaten Champions League finalists has revealed
his interest in adding an attacking midfielder to his squad this summer.

http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4682/transfer-zone/2015/06/28/13125242/-?

Jun 28, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed Juventus are in the market for a new attacking midfielder and highlighted Real Madrid playmaker Isco and Chelsea star Oscar as ideal potential signings.

The Scudetto and Coppa Italia winners went painfully close to winning the treble in 2014-15, losing to Spanish champions Barcelona in the Champions League final.

Now Allegri has openly revealed his admiration of creative talents Isco and Oscar, in addition to Sassuolo's Domenico Berardi and Fiorentina's Federico Bernardeschi.

With Carlos Tevez leaving for Boca Juniors and Andrea Pirlo expected to join New York City, the head coach is keen to freshen up his tactical approach and playing squad next season to replace the departing established stars.

"I would like a footballing inventor - they are never boring," Allegri told La Repubblica. "A wildcard in the line-up can bring a different balance to the table.

"Ego in moderate amounts is not harmful to a team's health. I like Real Madrid's Isco and Brazil's Oscar, while among the young Italians there is much to admire in Berardi and Bernardeschi.

"The addition of a No.10 to the mix is both a tactical desire and a desire to add ego to my team.

"Without Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo this coming season, Juve must change and experiment with new ways of working."

Despite being a firm fan favourite, Isco has been linked with a Real Madrid exit after spending two seasons without cementing a place in the starting XI when every player is fully fit, although Rafael Benitez's arrival as head coach could change his status.

Oscar featured 41 times for Chelsea last season but has been heavily linked with Juventus, though his agent recently denied the Brazil international will be leaving Jose Mourinho's side.

The Turin club relinquished their co-ownership of Berardi to Sassuolo for €10 million in June but are widely expected to buy him back for €18m in 2016, while Bernardeschi has been persistently rumoured to be heading for Fiorentina's exit door.

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri: I never fell out with Pirlo,
but Seedorf drove me mad at Milan

The Juve coach said the Netherlands international almost drove him to despair
at San Siro and rejected claims he fell out with the Italian midfielder.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2015/06/28/13133302/-?

Jun 28, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has revealed that Clarence Seedorf ‘drove him up the wall’ during their time at Milan.

The two spent two seasons together at San Siro before Seedorf ended his decade with the club by joining Botafogo of Brazil in 2012.

And Allegri says the former Netherlands international’s obsessive desire to mull over every minor facet of the game almost led him to despair.

“Seedorf wanted to discuss every detail and just talk, talk, talk,” Allegri, who was ultimately sacked and replaced by the Dutchman in January 2014, told La Repubblica.

“He drove me up the wall. I’d say to him, ‘Clarence, if everyone behaved like you then I’d need a day with 700 hours in it’.”

Allegri, who led Juventus to a domestic double and Champions League final this season went on to dismiss suggestions he played a role in Andrea Pirlo’s departure from Milan in 2011.

Pirlo moved to Juve on a free transfer after the Rossoneri allowed his contract to expire and went on to star for the Old Lady as they marched to four consecutive Serie A titles.

“I never had any arguments with Pirlo,” Allegri said.

“The transfer to Juventus revitalised him psychologically and change can be cathartic. That season, my third with Milan, they no longer had Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva.

“It would’ve been tough for Andrea to do as well in that squad."

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri set for Juve raise

http://www.football-italia.net/68669/allegri-set-juve-raise?

Jul 4, 2015

Juventus are looking to raise Coach Max Allegri's salary from €2.5m to €3.5m per year with a view to a fifth Scudetto title.

After joining the club surrounded by skepticism, the 47-year-old succeeded in conquering a Scudetto and a Champions League final on his first year with the Bianconeri.

It appears the club's higher echelons are looking to reward him for his strong performances as the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport reports that he is not too distant from a raise.

Juventus are offering Allegri an increase from his current salary of €2.5m to a €3.5m yearly deal along with bonuses, while the Coach reportedly would like to make a little more.

The publication believes a likely compromise could fall somewhere around €3.7m, making Allegri the Coach with the second highest wages in Serie A after Roberto Mancini. The Inter Coach signed for €2.7m and will be making €4m starting from next season.

[Socrates 8386]

Allegri close to Juventus renewal

http://www.football-italia.net/68778/allegri-close-juventus-renewal?

Jul 6, 2015

It’s reported Coach Massimiliano Allegri has agreed terms on a new contract with Juventus, running until 2017.

The tactician was brought in last summer on an initial two-year deal, and took the Bianconeri to the brink of a treble in his first season, winning the Scudetto and Coppa Italia, then losing the Champions League final.

Sky reports that the Tuscan tactician has agreed a new deal with the Turin giants, adding another year to his deal, which will see him remain on the bench until 2017.

The news outlet believes that the deal will be officially signed in the coming hours, but is essentially a formality at this point in time.