Juventus acquired three important points as they further distanced themselves from the rest of Serie A. Juve’s victory over Roma puts them seven points ahead, and allows for them to finish the year in first place. Allegri spoke to Sky Sport after the match: “There are situations where we must be more cynical. We took some risks on set pieces and crosses, but it is necessary for us to play better with possession. We carelessly lost a lot of balls, and need to improve on this aspect of our game. It was a game played with a good rhythm. We could have played a more technical game. The match was more of a battle than a football game. We must be good at winning duels and at handling the events that occur in the course of a match. We will finish the year in first? Head to head matchups are worth twice as much. It was not easy. The squad is improving in terms of self-belief and defensive organization.”
Allegri then considered some individual performances: “I am happy with the individual performances of our team, because if the players improve so does the team. Everyone has the potential to improve. Rugani, for example, played a very important match, and displayed great technique and personality. I believe he can improve even further. He also gives a lot of assurances. The national team and Juventus are lucky to have him. Sturaro? He does not have a bad touch, but needs to be kept under pressure or else he will return to having the same defects he has had in the past. He is currently on an upward trajectory. These are the types of things which satisfy a coach. Even I have improved since arriving at Juventus. And when I go somewhere else, I will try to improve further. The Juve DNA is irresistible and easy to acclimate to. It is important to transmit it to the new players. Every victory is difficult, but if we sacrifice ourselves, they will be obtained. You should leave a defeat better than you were before it and without losing lucidity. Higuain’s goal? For him, these types of things are normal. Pjanic? He took a knock on the hip, but already had a problem prior to the last game. We will see if he will play.”
