Massimiliano Allegri

[Socrates 8330]

What Juventus Can Expect from
Former Milan Coach Massimiliano Allegri

Jul 17, 2014

When Massimiliano Allegri walked into Juventus Stadium as the club’s new coach, he looked like a man who was not only fortunate to be there, but also out of place.

Everything happened quickly: Antonio Conte resigned two days into pre-season training, and Juventus needed a replacement—fast. Allegri was the most available of all the Italian managers. He had turned down a job with the Greece national team, and he was linked with West Ham (according to Italian magazine Panorama, via Football Italia) but he waited. No one could have expected him to get a top job like this.

Allegri was fired as coach of AC Milan in January of 2014 after a 4-3 loss to tiny Sassuolo. He is known for winning the Scudetto in his first year with the Rossoneri, but as the club sold their players and lost their veterans, they started to fall.

But Allegri was not innocent in it all: He used reductive and reactive tactics in games that mattered, he would not take control of matches, he would force his players to sit back, he would not allow his team to dictate games and go out to win them and his team played scared on the road—especially in the Champions League.

No one player really spoke badly about Allegri while playing under him. The stories since have come out. Gianluca Zambrotta reveals in his autobiography that Zlatan Ibrahimovic almost got into a fight with Allegri during the second leg of a Champions League round of 16 match against Arsenal. They were losing 3-0 by half-time, Milan’s 4-0 aggregate lead almost eradicated from the first leg, and Allegri reportedly said “it doesn’t matter.” In that same game, Allegri kept two goalkeepers on the bench.

“I didn’t have problems with Allegri the first year,” writes Zambrotta (h/t Football Italia), “but the second we lost the Scudetto due to mismanagement of the locker room.”

Of course, Allegri meets one of those disgruntled players again. Andrea Pirlo left Milan once the manager made it clear that he could no longer play in front of the defence, where Pirlo has always thrived.

The 35-year-old midfielder was basically told that “you can’t be Pirlo anymore.” It’s all in Pirlo’s own book, in which he reveals that he had a “normal kind of relationship” with Allegri. But the fact remains: When Milan won that Scudetto in 2011, there was little trust in Pirlo to do his job. So, like any ambitious player, he left.

Now the same man who discarded Pirlo says he has a “great relationship” with him. This is a common thing. Allegri tends to say things that do not fit the situation. At Milan, he praised players who did not deserve praise. He criticized his only stars. He did not keep the locker room whole. He simplified the message and reduced objectives to the bare minimum.

In 2013, when Milan were struggling to compete for a Champions League spot, Allegri told reporters (h/t Football Italia) that finishing in third place would be like winning the Scudetto. The most successful club in the world should not settle for third. It is this mentality that hurt the fans.

There was also a problem with fitness. Clarence Seedorf joined Milan midway through last season, picking up Allegri’s ashes, and the Dutchman told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport (h/t FIFA.com) that “the fitness levels I found here were not optimal. It's normal to struggle when you are behind in fitness since the start of the season.”

And Allegri is bringing that same fitness team with him. Allegri's lead assistant at Juve will be Marco Landucci & the athletic coach will be Simone Folletti (both worked with Max at Milan).

The number of injuries was also inexplicably high while Allegri was coaching Milan. Perhaps he rushed his players back into action too soon. At times he played his stars when he should have rested him.

A perfect example: losing Giampaolo Pazzini a few days before a big away game to Barcelona. Allegri decided to play Pazzini in a rather tepid game against Genoa, and the gamble failed. (Pazzini limped off the field that day in March of 2013, and he has never been the same since.) Mario Balotelli could not play in Europe, having already suited up in the Champions League for Manchester City, and so Milan had to rely on M’Baye Niang as their striker. Niang hit the post, and Milan were throttled 4-0.

Then there were the times he put players in awkward positions. He turned a tactically naive Kevin Constant into a left-back, wasting Stephan El Shaarawy and forcing him to run back and cover in defence. Allegri played Urby Emanuelson everywhere but in goal. This coach had his pet projects. He would target players in the market who did not fit the team's needs. It was hard to decipher.

Conte regularly rotated his squad, and Allegri is lacking in that category. Still, the Juventus squad he is inheriting is miles deeper than the last couple of Milan teams that he managed. He has the cast, and Juventus still have a very good chance of winning a fourth straight Scudetto. This is the best team in Italy with lots of class in defence, midfield and attack. They are not suddenly losing all of that.

But there are doubts over the future of major players. Reports vary. Journalists from The Mirror and The Guardian say that no contact has been made between Manchester United and Juventus for coveted midfielder Arturo Vidal, but reports from Marca and elsewhere suggest that a deal is done for €44 million.

Of course, Allegri would be “happy” to coach Vidal, Paul Pogba and all the others. That is beside the point. It is whether they are happy playing for him.

Allegri does shout off the bench, but he does not inspire like Conte. He does not train like Conte. “When Conte speaks,” writes Pirlo in his book, “his words assault you.” For a group of players still shocked at Conte’s resignation—“I don’t know why he left,” said Gianlugi Buffon, according to Goal.com—the transition to Allegri will be just as jarring.

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri unveils Juve staff

Jul 18, 2014

Max Allegri confirmed his coaching staff at Juventus, including many of them taken from his time at Milan.

Allegri was appointed on Wednesday, taking over from Antonio Conte and changed much of the backroom staff too.

His assistant manager will be Marco Landucci, who was Allegri’s second hand man at Cagliari and then worked at Milan as goalkeeping coach.

Instead, Claudio Filippi is the goalkeeping coach at Juve, now in his fourth year at the club.

Maurizio Trombetta is the first team coach, returning to a smaller role after jobs as Coach of Romanian clubs Cluj and Targu Mures.

Simone Foletti is the fitness coach and Stefano Grani the physio, both reunited with Allegri after their time at Sassuolo, Cagliari and Milan.

Roberto Sassi is the head of Training Check.

[Socrates 8330]

5 Things Massimiliano Allegri Must Do
to Be Successful at Juventus

Jul 18, 2014

This week has been shocking for Juventus and the club's fans. The team began preseason training on Monday, and less than a day later, the shocking announcement that coach Antonio Conte was parting ways with the club was made. Less than 24 hours after that, former AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri was introduced as the team's new manager.

The true reason for Conte's departure from Juve is likely an amalgamation of several different factors. At this point, however, it's a discussion that will be full of conjecture and contradiction. Time will tell what really went on behind the scenes. It's a subject for another article.

But while Juve's fans mourn the departure of the man who brought them three straight titles, the fact is that there is a season to prepare for. The Supercoppa Italiana against Napoli will be on August 23, and the Serie A season starts a week later. The team has to regroup and prepare to do its job.

Allegri will also have to quickly adjust to his new surroundings and figure out how to be successful at Juve.

What are some of the keys for him to keep Juventus on top of Italian soccer? Let's take a look at some.


Mend Fences with Andrea Pirlo

This may be what decides Juve's season. Can Allegri bury the hatchet with Andrea Pirlo, the man who he forced out at Milan three years ago?

The story is well known by followers of the Italian game. He had spent 10 seasons leading AC Milan to two Champions League titles and two Scudetti, but after an injury-plagued 2010-11, the club thought he was finished. His contract with the club ran out, and Milan made no attempt to resign him.

At best, Allegri did not advocate for his return. At worst, he helped push him out in favor of players like Massimo Ambrosini and Mark van Bommel.

The results were disastrous for Milan. Pirlo jumped to Juve on a Bosman and turned in three of the most impressive seasons of his career. He added more Scudetti to his name in those three years than he had in 10 at the San Siro.

Juve have gone 4-1-1 (W-L-D) in the league against the Rossoneri since the move and have eliminated them from the Coppa Italia twice.

Pirlo has been instrumental in that success. Many point to his absence—through injury—from Juve's fateful loss to Galatasaray in December as one of the deciding factors in the team's group-stage crash-out in the Champions League.

Allegri cannot marginalize Pirlo the way he did in their final season together in Milan. To do so would be suicidal.

So far he has said all the right things. In a news conference (as translated by Goal.com) he said that he had "always enjoyed a great relationship with him [Pirlo]" and said "I can justifiably state that I've never called his qualities into question. Otherwise people could justifiably say that I am a fool."

Pirlo, so far, has been silent.

Allegri has his deficiencies as a manager, but he is no fool. He has to know how important Pirlo's influence is to this team.

The maestro will almost certainly remain on the field, but will a toxic relationship behind the scenes torpedo the season? Allegri needs to take steps to make sure it doesn't.


Keep Everyone Where They Belong

One of the knocks on Allegri during his time at Milan was his willingness to play people out of position.

He tried to convert midfielder Kevin Constant to left-back. The results left much to be desired, especially with Constant blocking the route of young starlet Mattia De Sciglio.

Urby Emanuelson was another player who was moved around the field constantly. He played as a winger, a trequartista and a defensive midfielder in his time under Allegri.

The squad Allegri inherits have, for the most part, clearly defined roles. Allegri must be sure not to disrupt those roles.

There are a few players who Allegri might be tempted to shift. Angelo Ogbonna and Giorgio Chiellini both played left-back early in their careers—indeed, even under Conte on certain occasions. They are not, however, suited for playing that position long-term at this point in their careers. They need to be kept in the middle.

Another tempting prospect would be to experiment with the talent of 19-year-old Kingsley Coman. The youngster comes from PSG on a Bosman and is an attacking midfielder by trade, with some experience on the wing. But he is far from a finished product, and tinkerer like Allegri could be tempted to try to mold him into a position he may not be suited for.

Juve have been superbly successful in the three years this squad has been together. Allegri shouldn't disrupt that chemistry by trying to move people around.


Don't Tinker Too Much with Tactics

Allegri's penchant for tactical tinkering goes somewhat hand-in-hand with his tendency to tinker with positions. This tinkering, however, has produced some better results than his positional merry-go-round.

Some of Allegri's tactical shifts have been spot-on. Adjustments he made for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Arsenal in 2011-12 saw an unexpected 4-0 pummeling at the San Siro.

At the same stage of the competition the next year, his tweaks resulted in a truly stunning 2-0 victory over Barcelona.

It can be said that Allegri, like the ancient Carthaginian general Hannibal, knew how to win but not to use his victory.

In 2012 Milan very nearly squandered that gigantic lead when they lost 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium. In 2013 they allowed Lionel Messi an early moment of brilliance and ended up losing the return leg 4-0. Even then, they were the width of the post away from taking a crucial away goal when the aggregate was standing at a flat-footed 2-2.

Much of this tinkering, especially toward the end of his time at Milan, stemmed from the fact that he wasn't being supported by the club's directors with good players. Indeed, the Rossoneri were selling his best players off, forcing Allegri to improvise with a below-par team.

Allegri shouldn't have that problem at Juventus. He also comes into a situation where the tactics and player roles have been very clearly defined and very successful.

It's natural to see some tactical changes when a new manager arrives at a club. Allegri, however, should make sure those changes are minimal. He isn't an expert on Conte's 3-5-2, but Conte looked primed to switch back to the 4-3-3 after receiving new players on the transfer market.

The conventional wisdom over the last few years has been that the 3-5-2 has flaws that won't allow it to compete with elite European competition. The recent World Cup, however, should challenge that notion. Several nations, including Mexico, Costa Rica, the Netherlands and on occasion Chile, put in impressive performances at the tournament playing formations that could switch efficiently between 5-3-2 and 3-5-2 depending on the situation.

Allegri should look at the World Cup and re-evaluate whether the 3-5-2—which is still the best fit for the team as it is currently constituted—can compete at that level. If he decides not and wishes to go back to a four-man line, he'll need to wait for the proper personnel in the transfer market.

Speaking of which...


Salvage the Mercato

You won't see many bad things said about Antonio Conte in this space, but one that you will hear is that the timing of his resignation was downright terrible.

As late as Tuesday morning Juve was in pole position for landing Hellas Verona starlet Juan Iturbe to play the wing in a revamped tactical setup. Within hours of Conte's departure, Iturbe was sold to one of their biggest rivals to the title, Roma.

Two other major transfer targets, Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata and Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra, have paused to re-evaluate the situation.

Sky Sport have reported that Morata has already spoken with Allegri and is likely to complete his move (via Football Italia). Evra, on the other hand, seems to be more on the fence. The web site Give Me Sport has relayed a report from Tuttosport that Evra is looking to take a few days to reflect on things now that Conte is gone—although La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport (via Football Italia) have claimed that his negotiations are on course as well.

The beginning of the transfer window has certainly gotten off to a rocky start. But now that Allegri is in the manager's chair, Juve have drawn up a new list of targets for the rest of Europe's silly season.

The same Football Italia item names former Fiorentina man and Juve target Stevan Jovetic as a potential signing. Lucas Moura, Javier Pastore and Tottenham wantaway Erik Lamela are also mooted. So is PSG's Javier Pastore, a tormentor of the team when Palermo filled the role of Juve's bogey team in the mid 2000s.

Allegri needs to convince potential targets that there won't be a drop-off in the team's quality under his stewardship. If he doesn't, a team that may have been one good window away from taking the next step will be set back several seasons—and he likely won't be around to see the result.


Keep the Squad Healthy

Fitness may be the worst aspect of Allegri's management.

The injury history at Milan during his reign was horrific. Alexandre Pato went from one of the world's brightest young strikers to hardly ever being fit and exiled to Brazilian club Corinthians.

Last year, bright young stars Mattia De Sciglio and Stephan El Shaarawy lost the majority of the season with various muscular injuries. They weren't the only ones.

After Milan beat Barcelona in the Champions League two years ago, Allegri used Giampaolo Pazzini, the only striker he had who wasn't cup-tied, in a dull match against Genoa to try to force a result.

Pazzini injured a muscle, forcing Allegri to use M'baye Niang at the Camp Nou. With the aggregate tied at two, the young Frenchman broke free behind the Barca defense—and crashed a shot into the post.

Barca would score twice more and Milan would be eliminated.

Shortly after Milan was eliminated from this year's Champions League, Allegri's successor, Clarence Seedorf, said to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport (h/t FIFA.com): "I've said more than once that the fitness levels I found here were not optimal. It's normal to struggle when you have are [sic] behind in fitness since the start of the season."

A team can't be successful if its best players cannot play. Juve fans know what a selection crisis is like. Injuries and suspensions forced seven players to play six consecutive games at the height of the Europa League knockout stages, and the team was running on fumes by the end.

Allegri was known for not rotating his squad at Milan—although he didn't have as deep a squad as he will be afforded at Juve. Still, he must keep the team healthy. If he doesn't Juve will be doomed—and he will once again be unemployed.

[Socrates 8330]

Nedved: 'Only Allegri or Mancini'

Jul 20, 2014

Pavel Nedved confirms “there were only two candidates” for the Juventus bench: Max Allegri and Roberto Mancini.

Antonio Conte’s sudden departure two days into pre-season training, which Nedved put down to “fatigue,” forced Juventus to find a new Coach and they picked Massimiliano Allegri.

“We had to react very quickly after his resignation,” Juve director Nedved told Denik Sport in the Czech Republic.

“It was very tough, as we were sad to see him go, but there were only two candidates: Allegri and Mancini.

“Mancini had the option of becoming Italy Coach, so we reached an agreement with Allegri. He is a quality Coach and a winner.”

Conte has been heavily linked with the vacant Azzurri bench, so Mancini could well be left without a job anyway.

Nedved also revealed the reason Conte walked away was “fatigue. He was tired of everything. He’d already tried to resign in May, but we convinced him to think it over during the vacation.

“I absolutely understand where he’s coming from, as the way he performs his duties is exhausting. He’s a stickler and doesn’t miss a single detail.

“He works very intensively, so exhaustion was a natural result. We owe him so much, as in three years he won three Serie A titles.

“We will definitely miss him very much and it does weaken us, but we had to deal with the situation and we chose Allegri.”

[Socrates 8330]

Why the allergic reaction to Allegri is not healthy

The former AC Milan coach was greeted with supporter protests after taking
charge at Juventus but his credentials prove he can lead them to another Scudetto.

Jul 20, 2014

Such was the turn of events in Turin last week that to call it a shock would be a heavy understatement.

Antonio Conte began preparations for his fourth pre-season with Juventus but by the end of its first day he had resigned. Within a couple of days, all hell broke loose when former AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri was appointed in his place on a two-year deal – one that was greeted with heavy protests from fans.

Given the way the 46-year old was shown the door at Milan, it was rather expected. Given the Rossoneri’s record during his final few months last season, it seems partly justified.

But only partly.

Milan have been in decline since that mini-revival back in the 2010-11 season when, during Allegri's first campaign in charge, they lifted their first Scudetto since 2004 - breaking Inter's hegemony in the process.

Back then, there were credits galore for the former Cagliari boss, who was praised for handling a dressing room full of stars pretty effectively despite it being his first big club assignment.

Sending Ronaldinho packing was a brave but correct decision given the Brazilian's decline as a footballer, while replacing Andrea Pirlo in favour of more hard-hitting midfielders like Massimo Ambrosini and Mark van Bommel made sense to critics and fans alike.

His first mistake? Concluding that Pirlo was no longer the player he used to be.

In hindsight, given the Italian's performances for both Juventus and Italy since that episode, Allegri has been fairly criticised in some quarters. But there were few dissenting voices at the time. Pirlo had not played a key role for Milan that season and, coupled with his injuries, he did look like a player who was past his best.

Milan finished runners-up in his second season, with certain events taking place that were out of Allegri's control. An error in judgement by the referee robbed Sulley Muntari of his goal against Juventus and directly tilted the race in Juve's favour, who then went undefeated to rightly lift their first Scudetto since the Calciopoli scandal in 2006.

Since then, the seven-time European champions have been catastrophic both on and off the field and Allegri has unfortunately become the face of that failure.

When you rob your head coach of players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva and yet ask him to remain competitive, what happened with Allegri towards the end of his Milan tenure becomes almost inevitable. Add to this the departure of a host of leaders like Clarence Seedorf, Pippo Inzaghi, Gennaro Gattuso and Alessandro Nesta - players who virtually bled the club's colours for more than a decade - and the life was sucked from San Siro.

A club that once boasted one of the best European teams to have ever taken the field was now being represented by a handful of free signings, including Kevin Constant, Muntari, Cristian Zapata and Bakaye Traore among others. Yet what Allegri achieved under the tight constraints was commendable.

Finishing third in the 2012-13 season behind Juventus and Napoli despite losing his best players was an achievement, one that he was never properly credited for. Instead, what he got was uncertainty over his future as the club continued their slide into mediocrity, pursuing summer transfer targets including Valter Birsa, Cristian Zaccardo and Alessandro Matri while rivals bought Carlos Tevez (Juventus), Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli), Mario Gomez (Fiorentina), Kevin Strootman (Roma) and Giuseppe Rossi (Fiorentina).

Despite enjoying a rather fruitful end to the 2012-13 season deploying a 4-3-3, Allegri was forced to revert back to the much outdated 4-3-1-2 by Silvio Berlusconi – a decision suited more to accommodate his vision rather than that of the coach. A fair share of injuries to star players such as Stephan El Sharaawy, who was instrumental when fit, and captain Riccardo Montolivo played their part but that went unnoticed as Milan under Allegri continued to rot.

Allegri's failure mirrored the sorry state of the club, not of his own standards. He was a scapegoat who was sacrificed while the club's hierarchy continued their mismanagement.

Allegri's achievements before Milan must not be forgotten, either. He was responsible for Sassuolo's rise to Serie B back in the 2007-08 season, before leading Cagliari to a ninth-placed finish in the 2008-09 which also won him the prestigious Panchina d'Oro – an award handed over to the best Serie A coach and voted by his contemporaries in the division. That he beat Jose Mourinho – the self-proclaimed 'Special One' who won the Scudetto in his first season in charge of Inter – made it even more special.

"I have explained a thousand times, in the end it just happened. The club, Andrea and I met and he decided to join Juventus and now I am lucky enough to link up with him again after three years. - Massimiliano Allegri"

Maybe Allegri wasn't the best option for Juventus – more so given the Bianconeri's thirst for European glory and his own dubious record in the Champions League during his three-and-a-half years with Milan. He is perhaps a step down given the high standards set by his predecessor, who ruled the club from the heart, but he does not deserve the light in which he has been cast in recent days.

Give him a good team and he can win the Scudetto - he showed that at Milan, and he could prove it with Juve. Sell your best players and he will still make his team punch above its weight. With speculation rife regarding the futures of both Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal – the two most vital pieces in the Bianconeri midfield – Juventus have surely considered his ability to manage with a team under a tight budget, something that Conte wasn't willing to adjust to.

There is a reason why Allegri was in the running for the job at Roma last summer before Milan tied him to a new deal, why he was a favourite to succeed Cesare Prandelli as the head coach of the Italian national team. There is a reason why Milan hired him in the first place back in 2010 and why Juventus were quick to sign him despite the fact it would irk star man Pirlo.

[Socrates 8330]

Who is Max Allegri? Taking
a look at the new Juventus manager

Jul 20, 2014

It is hard to believe that a week ago I was eagerly waiting for Juventus' preseason, and now I am writing a piece on a new manager. But so it goes, and not that I have had a couple of days to mourn (rue?) the loss of the man that brought trophies back to Turin, it is time to get to know the new coach, Massimiliano Allegri. After all, unless something catastrophic happens, Allegri will be at the helm until next May.

Let me preface this article by saying that I am no Allegri expert and that all that I will write is information that I got from Transfermarkt or other Internet sources. In other words, I just did a little Internet stocking to make sure my beloved Old Lady was in ok hands for the time being.

A little history

Allegri was born in 1967 in Livorno. He played professionally since he was 17 years old for a number of clubs ranging from Livorno to Pescara, Perugia, and Napoli (a total of 13 clubs in his professional career). He played as a midfielder and scored 56 goals during his 19 year career. He retired from professional football in 2003 when he was playing for Aglianese.

He started his coaching career also at Aglianese (in Serie C2 at the time) and since then has coached seven other clubs including Juventus. In 2007, Allegri coached Sassuolo to promotion to Serie B for the first time in their history — as an aside, the more I read about Sassuolo the more I respect them as a club, but I digress. He then coached Cagliari from 2008 to 2010 where he won the Panchina d'Oro in his first season as manager. During his second season he was sacked despite earning Cagliari 40 points. I remember that rumors at that time were that Milan's interest in Allegri were not well received by the Cagliari management who decided to sack him after relegation was mathematically avoided.

At Milan he had mixed reviews, two good seasons, and then one-and-a-half terrible one. During his first season he won the scudetto and on his second season he came in second, vowing out to an impressive Juve side. Things went south from there, but he was able to get Milan to third place on his third season, not a bad feat considering his poor start. His best years were when Milan had the best squad in Serie A, with players such as Ibrahimovic, Nesta, Pirlo, and Cassano we conquered Serie A.

Slowly, Galliani started to sell and/or let go of these stars, starting with Pirlo in 2011, Ibra, Silva, and Nesta in 2012 and so on. If you compare squads, Juve's scudetto team of 2011 was at least equally as good as Milan's, but the rossoneri were playing in Europe at the time. I am by no means trivializing our first scudetto of the Conte era, I am just trying to put into context Allegri's supposed failure to beat Juventus in 2011.

What formation does he play?

This is a harder question to answer. When Conte came to Juve, it was clear that the 4-4-2 was going to be the starting formation for the coach. Allegri on the other hand has tried almost any formation under the sun. Before he arrived at Milan, he was known for playing a 4-3-1-2 formation at Cagliari. During the scudetto year, he played a similar formation with Cassano or Boateng in the trequartista position. The following year, it was expected Aquilani and Boateng played the trequartista role. In addition to the 4-3-1-2, he has played a 4-3-2-1 and even the 4-3-3 at Milan.

With the likely arrival of Patrice Evra, Allegri can easily have a four-man backline at his disposal. It may not be a bad idea to keep De Ceglie as a substitute to Evra, unless Marotta has another left-back in mind. Of course, if Allegri wants to revive Ziegler's career at Juve, or give some minutes to Matteo Liviero, the 21-year-old left-back from the Juventus youth ranks. Our right and center back positions have plenty of depth and quality for anything Allegri will throw at them.

As for Allegri's three-man midfield, it remains a mystery. At Milan, Allegri used a midfield that focuses most on breaking play rather than creating play. Gatusso, van Bommel, Boateng, Nocerino, and Muntari were starters under Allegri. With that being said, players such as Montolivo and Aquilani also found some room in midfield from time to time. At Juve, Allegri has the advantage of having players who can break play effectively but that can also create. A midfield with three of Pogba, Vidal, Marchisio, or Asamoah will no doubt be a wall hard to penetrate. Most importantly, these players can also create play and be very dangerous. In a contest of technical ability, Pogba, Vidal, Marchisio, Asamoah, and Pirlo easily come out on top of Boateng, Montolivo Nocerino, van Bommel, Gatusso, and Muntari.

The trequartista position is a tricky one. Pirlo has played that role in the past and may be where Allegri sees him at Juve. He will have no defensive duties there and will be given room to roam. Giovinco also has experience playing that role but has been disappointing to say the least. Coman and Morata are wild cards at the moment, they both may be excellent at that position but they also may fail. Personally, I don't see either of them playing that role effectively but I'll be happy to stand corrected. Current rumors are that Juventus are looking at Jovetic, Lamela, or Shaqiri. Although they may succeed linking midfield and attack, I prefer to discuss the players on the roster.

Up front, Tevez and Llorente are sure starters who shouldn't have any problem playing a 4-3-1-2.

Playing a 4-3-2-1 will be equally as easy given the current squad. Other formations such as the 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 will require more personnel who may come during the transfer market. However, these are mercato talks that may or may not materialize so I'll stop there.

What do I expect from Allegri?

This is my personal opinion, nothing else, nothing more. I expect Allegri to play a four-man backline, to have a slow start to the season, to win some games tactically, to qualify for Champions League next year, to develop youngsters and get to the quarterfinals in Europe.

The four-man backline is easy, he has used it successfully in the past and he has the players to do it.

Having a slow start to the season: Allegri is a coach that takes time to get his teams going. In his first year at Milan, Allegri collected five points in his first four games (first month). During the next three months he only lost twice and drew once. On his second season he also had only five points from his first four games. Afterwards he only drew twice and lost once in the subsequent three months. For this reason, I think it will be an error to judge Allegri by his first month. it will be best to make up our minds when December rolls around.

Tactical know how: Allegri is a good tactician. He is no Lippi, but he is also no Ferrara. I've been reviewing Milan blogs and there was plenty of praise for Allegri's substitutions on his first two seasons. I think that with the team he has at hand, and the tactical variations available to him, Allegri should be able to outwit many coaches in Serie A and Europe.

Qualifying for Champions League:Juventus easily have a top-three team in Italy. Sure, Roma, Napoli, and Fiorentina look threatening, but it is likely that at least on of these teams will self-destroy before Juve.

My main concern will be Allegri's ability to beat small teams. This has been Juve's strength over the last three years. Achieving 102 points in a season shows that Conte prepared his team to beat down even the most stubborn defenses. I personally don't think Allegri has that in him. With a team like Roma that went undefeated for half a season, it may cost us dearly. My only hope is that Conte taught his team to never give up, and that Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Vidal, and Tevez can transmit that attitude to the rest of the team.

Developing youngsters: Allegri did wonders with El Shaarawy and De Sciglio. Sure those players are immensely talented but I don't know if Conte would have allowed them to play such a role at Juve. I think the management has made clear to Allegri that Juventus will buy young players and that it is his job to incorporate them to the team. I hope Coman, Morata and any other player that comes to Juve gets more of a chance under Allegri.

Conclusion

It is pointless to continue naming Conte in our discussions. He is gone and belongs in Juve's history no doubt. It is now time to buckle up and support our new coach through thick and thin for the season to come. He has the tools to have a successful season, and he has the know how to battle on all three fronts. With the support of the management, and the professionalism of our players, I hope that he can start a new cycle with us.

[Socrates 8330]

Juventus lose on Allegri debut

Jul 25, 2014

Juventus lost their first game under Max Allegri, falling 3-2 to amateur side Lucento despite a Fernando Llorente brace.

New Coach Allegri changed their system to his favoured 4-3-2-1 with Carlos Tevez and Sebastian Giovinco supporting the Spanish centre-forward.

It started off badly, as Lucento took the lead when Gianluca Bo was allowed to nod in a corner.

Llorente turned the game around before half-time, as he turned to fire in a Simone Pepe assist and then scored with an angled drive.

Roberto Pereyra had his presentation Press conference before the game, but made his debut in a Juve jersey for the second half.

Allegri performed many substitutions and Lucento netted twice in the final 15 minutes to secure a shock 3-2 victory at the Vinovo training camp.

Cavazzi sprinted forward and held off a challenge from Angelo Ogbonna to fire past Marco Storari, then Cretazzo netted from the edge of the box.

The Bianconeri were unlucky this afternoon, hitting the woodwork with Sebastian Giovinco and Pereyra.

Juventus had already faced Turin-based Eccellenza League side Lucento in a 2011 pre-season friendly, winning 6-1.

Juventus: Storari; Motta (Spinazzola 62), Sorensen, Ogbonna, Barlocco (Liviero 52); Padoin (Buoy 62), Marrone (Pereyra 51), Pepe (Gerbaudo 62); Tevez (Coman 52), Giovinco (Buchel 62); Llorente (Vitale 62)

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri: 'I'm not worried'

Jul 25, 2014

Massimiliano Allegri is “not worried” by the Arturo Vidal situation or his debut Juventus defeat to an amateur team.

The new Coach had a sensational first friendly game in charge, losing 3-2 to Eccellenza level side Lucento today.

“This was more of a training session than a proper match,” he told Tuttomercatoweb.

“I wanted to see who will remain and how they would play. We were coming off two days of intensive training, so our legs were a little heavy.

“I expected the first few days to be like this, but there is a great atmosphere and everyone wants to work hard. From Monday we’ll start playing for real and then there’s our first official friendly against Cesena.”

Allegri was also asked about the Vidal situation, as the Chilean midfielder said he wants to talk to the new Coach before making a decision on his future.

“I am not worried. He is a Juventus player and I am relaxed. I’ve already spoken to him, as I have done with all the players who are currently all over the world.”

Allegri tested out the 4-3-2-1 system in today’s friendly and explained how he will move Juve on from the Antonio Conte era of three consecutive Scudetti.

“It’s not intelligent to completely revamp a side that works well, but I will make some modifications. It is only normal that a Coach who did as well as Conte is remembered fondly, but in football and life everything can change.

“Roberto Pereyra allows me to have different options and more or less the same characteristics as Claudio Marchisio, but until I have the whole squad at my disposal, I cannot give you precise indications.

“Napoli and Roma will be our big rivals this season, just like Inter, Milan and Fiorentina. Juve are coming off three titles and remain the favourites, but it’ll be a tough battle.”

Allegri’s reign has not started well, as on top of this friendly defeat they lost Alvaro Morata for 50 days to a knee injury.

“He’d only been with us for a day, so was very unlucky. We have to look on the positive side, as he’ll be back for the start of the season.”

[Socrates 8330]

Juventus Coach Rules Out Vidal Departure

Jul 26, 2014

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has moved to quell speculation linking midfielder Arturo Vidal with a move away from the club.

The Chilean international has caught the eye of several clubs across Europe, including Manchester United and Liverpool.

Speaking after their shock 3-2 loss to amateur side Lucento, the former AC Milan boss ruled out speculation linking Vidal with a move away from the Bianconeri.

“I am not worried, he is a Juventus player and I am calm,” he said. “I have already spoken to him, as I have done with all our players.”

Allegri then went on to speak about the game against the Eccelenza side, saying that the side’s “legs were a little heavy”, whilst also giving his insight about the upcoming Serie A season.

“We were coming off of two days of hard training, so our legs were a little heavy,” he said. “We will start to prepare for the new season on Monday, and then we have our first official friendly against Cesena.”

“We are coming off the back of three titles in a row, so we remain the favourites.

“However, we have to fight; Napoli and Roma will be our major rivals along with AC Milan, Inter, and Fiorentina.”

It is also worth noting that Allegri was appointed as coach of Juve in mid-July after the resignation of former boss Antonio Conte.

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri: I want another striker

The Juventus coach has outlined his plans to bolster both attack and defence,
while putting to bed rumours that Arturo Vidal will leave the club this summer.

Jul 26, 2014

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed he is looking to sign a striker and a defender before the summer transfer window shuts.

The Italian champions completed a loan move for Udinese winger Roberto Pereyra on Friday just days after the club signed left-back Patrice Evra from Manchester United and striker Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid.

The three high-profile acquisitions followed on from Antonio Conte's shock resignation last week, and his successor Allegri has now revealed his bid to bolster the Juve squad further ahead of the new season.

"If we sign another defender and another striker then we're in good shape,” Allegri told Gazetta dello Sport.

“I would prefer a striker first, though. The team's working well – it's not easy to improve an already strong group of players though.”

Juve recruited 18-year-old French midfielder Kingsley Coman from Paris Saint-German in early July, a signing that Allegri admitted he was pleased with.

"Coman must remain and Pereyra is a versatile player that will give us more solutions in both our attack and our midfield," he said.

Despite Juve having strengthened the team this summer, the future of Chile star Arturo Vidal remains the subject of much speculation.

Premier League side Manchester United were believed to be lining up a €54 million offer for the 27-year-old after Louis van Gaal approved the move.

However, Allegri confirmed that he has no fears that Vidal will leave Juve this summer.

"I've already talked to Vidal, I am very calm about him staying,” he told Tuttosport.

“He's an important player for the team."

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri wants Zapata at Juve

Jul 26, 2014

It’s reported Juventus boss Max Allegri wants a reunion with Milan and Colombia defender Cristian Zapata.

The centre-back played regularly under Allegri for the Rossoneri, but was pushed to the bench when Clarence Seedorf took over in January.

According to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, the tactician has requested Zapata to reinforce the defence in Turin.

There are also suggestions in the media that Angelo Ogbonna will be the one making way, as there is interest from Spanish side Sevilla.

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri handed early return
to AC Milan with Juventus

The 54-year-old coach, who was sacked by the Rossoneri in January,
will take the reigning Italian champions to the Giuseppe Meazza in week three.

Jul 28, 2014

Former AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has been handed a rapid return to San Siro with new club Juventus by the 2014-15 Serie A fixture list.

The 46-year-old trainer was sacked by the Rossoneri in January and replaced at the helm by Clarence Seedorf, who has since made way for Pippo Inzaghi.

Allegri was then handed the reins at Juventus following the shock resignation of Antonio Conte, who had led the Old Lady to three successive Serie A titles since taking charge in the summer of 2011.

The former Cagliari coach will begin his league campaign with the Bianconeri away to Chievo when the new Italian season gets underway on the last weekend in August.

Allegri will oversee his first home game against Udinese a fortnight later before returning to the Giuseppe Meazza for Juve's clash with Milan on the weekend of September 21.

As for Inzaghi's men, who have been struggling in pre-season, they will kick off their campaign against Lazio at San Siro.

Elsewhere, Inter will begin with a tricky trip to Torino, while last season's runners-up, Roma, also have a difficult opener, against Fiorentina.

Napoli, who finished third last term, will start their second season under the leadership of Rafael Benitez against Genoa.

Looking further ahead, the first Milan derby takes place in week 12, in November, while the first Derby d'Italia between Juventus and Inter is provisionally scheduled for Turin on January 6, seven days before city rivals Roma and Lazio lock horns at the Stadio Olimpico.

[Socrates 8330]

Manchester United target Vidal
will stay at Juventus - Allegri

The Bianconeri's new coach has insisted the player is happy to remain in Turin after
returning for pre-season training and also denied having any problems with Andrea Pirlo.

Jul 29, 2014

Massimiliano Allegri has insisted Arturo Vidal will remain at Juventus amid interest from Manchester United.

Bianconeri chief executive Guiseppe Marotta stated on Monday that the Chile international would only be sold is he expressed a desire to leave Turin but the midfielder insisted last week he is not going to Old Trafford.

Goal understands Vidal met with his agent and senior officials on Sunday evening to discuss the possibility of a transfer to Old Trafford but Allegri has ruled out a move following a training session on Tuesday.

"Arturo is staying," the Juve coach told reporters. "He is very happy to remain here, like all of his team-mates.

"I have also spoken with him to check his physical condition. We are very happy that he's staying with us; he's fundamental for us."

Meanwhile, ever since Allegri was confirmed as the surprise successor to previous coach Antonio Conte, it has been speculated that the new boss could have problems with playmaker Andrea Pirlo.

The pair worked together at AC Milan and have conflicting views on the reasons behind the midfielder's free transfer from San Siro to Turin three years ago.

However, Allegri claims that there is no residual animosity between the pair, insisting that they are united in their desire to see Juve crowned champions of Europe.

"We spoke 10 days ago," the 46-year-old revealed. "We are professionals.

"There's a mutual respect between us and we have a common goal in wanting to have a great Champions League campaign. Europe has a particular fascination for us."

Allegri, of course, was sacked by Milan in January of this year and he has been handed a rapid return to San Siro by the newly-published Serie A fixture list for the 2014-15 season.

However, he insists that he has no fears about going back to the Giuseppe Meazza in week three.

"It will be a special evening for us and I will have many emotions," he confessed. "But now, for me, the Rossoneri are only another opponent."

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri: 'Vidal is fundamental'

Jul 29, 2014

Max Allegri assured Arturo Vidal is “a fundamental player” for Juventus and expects better against Cesena.

The new Coach lost his first game since replacing Antonio Conte, falling 3-2 to amateur side Lucento, and takes on newly-promoted Serie A team Cesena on Wednesday.

“That defeat with Lucento hit the headlines, but tomorrow is a completely different game,” insisted Allegri in his Press conference.

“Our training only began on Monday morning and we haven’t yet reached an acceptable fitness level.

“All the players will come to Cesena, even the internationals. I have at my disposal a group of players who immediately realised how to optimise the time at our disposal.”

There are numerous stories circulating, particularly in Chile, that Vidal is ready to join Manchester United for €60m (approximately £48m).

“I spoke to Vidal to understand his fitness levels. He is motivated, so club and Coach are very happy he will remain in Turin.

“He had surgery just 32 days before the World Cup, so will train on a special schedule for a few days. Vidal is fundamental for Juventus and not just in practical terms and he wants to stay.”

The Serie A fixture list pits Allegri against his old club Milan at San Siro just three rounds into the new season.

“It will be intriguing, also because it’s a challenge between two teams who want the Scudetto. It’s going to be a difficult season, so for me and the lads it would be important to win.

“I come back to San Siro as an opponent, having spent three and a half exciting years there. Last year Milan were very unlucky, but they and Inter will be back in the Scudetto race.”

The internationals only arrived from their post-World Cup vacations on Monday, including Andrea Pirlo, who left Milan because he was not in Allegri’s plans.

“I saw them motivated. I am new to this environment was catapulted into it from one day to the next, so I’m still trying to get a handle on everything. We’ve only got a month to achieve that.

“Pirlo? We already spoke 10 days ago. We are professionals.”

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri: A good workout

Jul 31, 2014

Massimiliano Allegri saw positives to Juventus’ draw with Cesena, whilst asserting that there is still much to do in a short space of time.

The Bianconeri continued their pre-season under their new Coach with a goalless draw against the Cavallucci Marini on Wednesday evening.

Despite the failure to win, Allegri considered afterwards the point to the friendly fixture against their Serie A opponents.

“This was a good workout. The squad arrived two days ago, considering those returning from the World Cup,” the 46-year-old told Sky Sport Italia post-match.

“The attitude was good, we did not create much, but there were no injuries and this is important. We need to concentrate within 25 days a workload for usually 45, I know this and it is okay.

“We have to work, creating the conditions to win and do better in Europe. We have four major objectives to be achieved, we are only in the third day of training, but here the attitude was good.

“There is so much to do, especially at a fitness level, to be at our best during the season.

“The transition from one Coach to another can be felt, if only in the team selection, but that’s normal. I have found great players, eager to go again.

“It will not be easy, given the antagonists, but we will work with calmness and balance to improve as much as we can.”

Allegri started the match in a 3-5-2 formation, but was asked of the potential to switch to a back four.

“It’s too early to tell. After three days it was unthinkable to provide a different tactical approach, I only applied certain new measures that were well received by the guys.

“If the team play well in a back four then we will move to a back four, otherwise we will remain with three.

“But what counts is that the team does well, creates and wins.”

Patrice Evra arrived in Turin yesterday evening and today will be presented to the media.

“He is a great player of international experience, which is what counts at Juventus. Then, he will have to adapt, because he comes from a very different world in the Premier League.”

Speculation continues to surround Arturo Vidal’s future.

“He was never on the market. I have spoken with the guy, whilst the club has expressed their thoughts and he will remain.”

[Socrates 8330]

Lippi: 'Juve faith in Allegri'

Aug 3, 2014

Marcello Lippi was surprised Antonio Conte quit Juventus, but urged fans to “have faith in Max Allegri.”

The Guangzhou Evergrande Coach and Juve legend spoke to Tuttosport newspaper about the dramatic changes in Turin this summer.

“I had hoped Conte would stay at Juventus for many years, as it would’ve pleased me to see him lead several winning eras. I cultivated that romantic dream...

“It’s difficult to get inside people’s heads. If he felt certain sensations and had the courage to express them, then his choice must be respected.”

Conte announced his exit by mutual consent on the second day of pre-season training, so there was a scramble to get his replacement.

“It probably would’ve been better for the club if Antonio had made this decision earlier, but other factors must’ve entered into the fray,” continued World Cup winner Lippi.

“I have great faith in Allegri. He already worked at a top level club like Milan and won the Scudetto. There could be initial problems, also due to controversy from his past with the Rossoneri, but then Allegri’s great abilities will shine through.

“It will be crucial to start strong. I have no doubts, the team will become one with its Coach. The current club structure is very solid and marches directly towards clear objectives. The club is Juve’s greatest strength.

“They have won three consecutive Serie A titles, so it’s only natural they are the favourites. It is also natural that Roma, Napoli, Inter and Milan are trying to reinforce in order to bridge that gap.”

Another of Lippi’s old players, Pippo Inzaghi, is now on the Milan bench.

“He has great enthusiasm and is fortunate to work at a club that gives him strong support. It will depend on the quality of the squad, though, as passion and motivation can only get you so far.”

Lippi famously left the Bianconeri and then returned to win another Scudetto, so could Conte follow the same path?

“Could he return to Juve? Antonio’s rapport with these colours is great, as is his affection for the club. We shouldn’t rule out him coming back one day.

“Will Conte become Italy Coach? I’d be happy if he felt that’s what he wanted to do, but I say the same about Roberto Mancini and some of the other names I’ve read about.”

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri: Vidal, Pogba happy here

Aug 5, 2014

Max Allegri has considered focus for Juventus’ first friendly of their tour, a new role for Paul Pogba and transfer talk on the Frenchman and Arturo Vidal.

The Bianconeri are in Indonesia for the first leg of their pre-season tour of Asia and Oceania, to face the national football team tomorrow in Jakarta.

“We are very happy to be here, the reception from the fans was great yesterday when we arrived and there were so many there,” Allegri has told reporters at a first Press conference on the tour.

“It was a beautiful surprise. Thank you to all our fans. I do not know much about Indonesian football, I know that it is developing.

“It will be a good workout against guys who will look to stand out. The objective of the game tomorrow is to try to improve the physical condition.

“We have just had a first week of working with the national team players. All matches are useful because we only have four before the start of the season.

“New tactics? At this time I insist with the defensive three, then later we will try alternatives.”

However, one new approach could be in Paul Pogba’s role in the side.

“I will try to use him more in the attack. He is one of the best youngsters in the world, with huge technical and physical qualities.

“Yet, there is also still plenty of room for improvement.”

Both Pogba and teammate Arturo Vidal have had a summer full of speculation regarding their future at Vinovo.

“Vidal and Pogba are very happy to be here and I am very happy to coach them.”

[Socrates 8330]

Dunga: Allegri a smart Coach

Aug 5, 2014

Dunga has backed Max Allegri to succeed at Juventus and says he will continue to follow Romulo.

Juve head into the new season with their most notable change being on the bench, with Allegri having come in to replace Antonio Conte.

For one of Allegri’s former midfield teammates at Pescara, though, fears over the direction the club may be going in are misplaced.

“Allegri is a great Coach, as he demonstrated at Milan,” Dunga has explained to Tuttosport.

“The resignation of Conte does not surprise me, in football things change often.

“Allegri is a smart Coach, I am convinced that he will blend his winning mentality with the excellent base built by Conte.

“[Former Pescara boss] Giovanni Galeone’s teachings are showing their influence. Allegri has developed along this path, the base is solid.

“Pirlo? He is a champion who all Coaches could use.”

One new face at Juve this summer is Romulo, the Brazilian born utility player who was a member of Cesare Prandelli’s provisional World Cup squad, but has yet to play for Italy.

“He was struggling to emerge but now he can make the leap. I still consider him a Brazilian and will follow him whilst it is possible to call him up.”

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri pleased with Juve triumph

Aug 6, 2014

Max Allegri said Juventus must “try to improve upon our solid foundations” after an 8-1 win in Indonesia.

The Bianconeri began their pre-season tour of Asia with a thumping 8-1 victory over the ISL All Stars.

“It was a good training session and I am satisfied with the attitude of the lads this evening,” Allegri told the official Juventus Twitter account.

“We picked up the pace, adding great intensity so that we can improve our fitness levels.

“The competition will be far tougher in Serie A, so we must try to improve upon our solid foundations.”

The Old Lady’s next test will be in Sydney against a group of A-League All-Stars, including Alessandro Del Piero, on Sunday.

[Socrates 8330]

Juventus Legend Hails Allegri

Aug 6, 2014

Former Juventus forward Fabrizio Ravanelli has claimed that new boss Massimiliano Allegri has the ability to achieve great things with his new team.

The Perugia native also went on to comment on the departure of Antonio Conte from the helm, who led the bianconeri to three straight scudetti.

“I think that the ceasing of the relationship between Antonio and the side has hurt both sides,” he said in an interview to sportal.it.

“Allegri is a tenacious coach with plenty of character who can do well. We’re talking about a coach who has already won and someone who can provide continuity to a group of winners.”

The former AC Ajaccio boss went on to discuss his preferred choices for the Italian national team position, left vacant by the outgoing Cesare Prandelli.

“I hope that Conte will guide La Nazionale, but I also like Roberto Mancini,” he said.

“I’m not sure if Conte will have the strength to wait for a call from a big club or to immediately accept a possible call from the Italian Football Federation.”

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri ‘amazed by reception’

Aug 7, 2014

Massimiliano Allegri has written of Juventus’ welcome so far in Indonesia and of how the club are representing Italian football out in Asia.

The Bianconeri began their three-game tour of the region, and Australia, with a comfortable win over an Indonesia Select XI yesterday.

For the club’s Coach, the way he and his squad have been received in Jakarta was worth acknowledging.

“The welcome we received in the early days of the #JuveTour was really crazy,” Allegri has written on his personal website afterwards.

“We could expect enthusiasm for one of the top clubs in the world, but certainly not hundreds of supporters with flags and t-shirts to sing chants from the Curva Scirea in Italian outside our hotel. Travelling around the world we remember once again the worth of Italian football and how it is valued abroad, how fans in every corner of the globe is essential in strategies to grow, not only for a single club - it is true that we play here in the shirt of the team that has won the last three Scudetti, but we represent all of Italian football.”

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri: Fourth Scudetto difficult, but…

Aug 8, 2014

Max Allegri considers Juventus’ goal of winning Serie A for a fourth consecutive season ‘difficult, but not impossible’.

The Bianconeri are now in Australia for the second leg of a three-game tour of the region during pre-season.

Talking to the media, the club’s new Coach has reflected on the importance of preparation ahead of trying to retain the League championship for 2014-15.

“We are very happy to be here in Sydney, we have had a fantastic welcome and this is an ideal climate for work and to prepare for the season and to play,” Allegri told a Press conference overnight.

“Australian football has grown a lot, even if they did not enjoy a great World Cup, and for us it will be a good test ahead of the third game in Singapore.

“These matches are important for physical and tactical preparation for the new season, in which we will have many goals to achieve.

“I have inherited a team that has won three Scudetti and this year it will be more difficult. The League will be more competitive.

“But Juventus is still the favourite and we must try to accomplish something that is difficult, but not impossible - to win a fourth Scudetto in a row and play a great Champions League.”

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri: Juventus Can Win A Fourth Scudetto

Aug 8, 2014

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri still believes his side can win their fourth consecutive Scudetto this coming season.

The Bianconeri surprisingly lost coach Antonio Conte who terminated his deal with the club by mutual consent, thus many have deemed this to have levelled the Serie A playing field.

“I inherited a team that won three Scudetti,” Allegri told the press. “It will be difficult, but not impossible to win a fourth title in a row and have a great Champions League campaign.”

Juve are currently on a tour of Asia and the Pacific are are due to play an Australian A-League All-Star team containing Alessandro Del Piero on August 10.

[Socrates 8330]

Juventus have heavy legs - Allegri

A last minute goal gave the Bianconeri victory in their latest friendly in Australia
and their new coach admitted they were tired after a tough few days of fitness work.

Aug 10, 2014

Massimiliano Allegri said Juventus had "heavy legs" after beating the A-League All-Stars side 3-2 in Sydney on Sunday.

The hosts - who boasted Juve legend Alessandro Del Piero in their ranks - took the lead through Marcelo Carrusca on nine minutes, before Fernando Llorente levelled in the second half.

But the Bianconeri again fell behind when Tomi Juric found the back of the net on 77 minutes, only to be saved by late goals from Paul Pogba and Simone Pepe.

The game was part of Juve's Asia-Pacific tour and Allegri admitted his players were feeling the physical effects of several days of tough work.

He said: "We made too many mistakes, at an individual level and not just in defence. But the boys had heavy legs because of the hard work done in Sydney over the last two days.

"Of course, we still lack a bit of rhythm before we start Serie A but we are working well and working hard to get there."

Juve kick off the defence of their Serie A title with a clash against Chievo on August 30.

[Socrates 8330]

Allegri: Australia Has Shown
Juventus Lots Of Love

Aug 12, 2014

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri is grateful for all of the love the team had received during their trip to Australia to face the A-League All Stars, but admits that the Old Lady still have some work to do ahead of the new Serie A season.

The Bianconeri were able to secure a narrow 3-2 win over the A-League All Stars on Sunday and the tactician feels that more training is needed before the start of the 2014-15 campaign, though he’s confident in Juve’s ability to be ready in time.

Allegri spoke through his official Twitter about Juventus’ Australia visit and conceded that pleasing the fans was more important than winning.

“There is so much love for Juventus in Australia,” said the former AC Milan coach. “We may have won the match but to entertain this audience is the greatest satisfaction.”

The 47-year-old also spoke to Tuttosport about what his team still need to do in order to prepare for the upcoming Serie A campaign.

“We made too many mistakes, at the individual level, and not only in defence,” he said. “But the boys had heavy legs from all the hard work we’ve done during our two days in Sydney.

“Certainly we still lack a bit of rhythm that we’ll need to find in the league, but we are working well and we are working hard for it.”