Juventus travel to Cagliari in what tends to be a difficult trip, and with the Sardinians hovering right above the relegation zone, the hosts will have a lot to play for against a Juve side that has been tottering for some weeks now.
Speaking ahead of the game, coach Massimiliano Allegri addressed the media. First off he addressed the rumours that Federico Chiesa would possibly be punished for his touchline outburst following his second half substitution in the stalemate against Torino.
“A few issues after the injury were predictable, but I am happy with what he is doing. He must expect more from himself. As for the outburst, I’ve seen worse things, but it’s part of the moment and a coach must make decisions for the team’s good.
“Against Torino, Chiesa played very well for 15 minutes. He had a chance in the second half as well. He is a very important player to us. I will decide tomorrow whether he or Yildiz will start.
“Chiesa is entering the peak moment for an athlete, Vlahovic is improving and is doing really well. He has a bright future ahead.”
Bianconeri goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has tipped youngster Kenan Yildiz for a future Ballon d’Or, but Allegri called for caution.
“I hope Szczesny was right, especially for Yildiz, but we’ve got to be very cautious with judgments.
“Yildiz has great qualities but must follow a path like everyone else. I hope he’ll have an extraordinary career, but I don’t know if he’ll win the Ballon d’Or.”
The goalie suffered an unfortunate fractured nose in the Derby della Mole and required surgery, but should be available for tomorrow.
“He is available, but I’ll see what to do tomorrow. I don’t have many doubts and will make the final decisions after the training.”
On tomorrow’s opponents -
“Cagliari won six games from eight at home, earning 23 points from their 31. They score many goals in the final 15 minutes, often with reserves, so it will be complicated, as usual, in Cagliari.
“Claudio Ranieri has been in football for so many years. He has obtained great results and managed a difficult moment well at Cagliari. He is a smart person and Cagliari are having an excellent season.”
Finally, as often happens, Allegri was asked about his own future.
“I live it normally. It’s not the first time there have been rumours about coaches and players during this period.
“We must remain focused. I’ve told the lads that we’ve been working from July 15 for six or seven months to be in the race for all our objectives in March. It’s April, and we are still in the Coppa Italia, and we are in the top four. The aim must be clear, and now we must go for it.
“Right now, we must look at the target. That’s all I am focused on. We want Juventus to play in the Champions League next season and reach the Coppa Italia Final. Once we’ve reached the targets, the club will tell their strategy for the future.”