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Max Allegri has gotten a lot of praise thrown his way in recent weeks. And pretty much all of it is deserved considering what he's been able to do and get Juventus where it is despite having key players injured at an incredibly important part of the season. This is what Allegri has had to deal with, and it's like he can waive a magic wand and Paul Pogba
While the squad is relatively healthy outside of the usual long-term absentees, there is one big decision for Max Allegri to make for the second leg against AS Monaco on Wednesday night.
Yep, the age-old decision of the 3-5-2 or 4-3-1-2.
.@OfficialAllegri: "I still haven't decided on my starting XI. It will be a long evening and substitutions will be important." #UCL
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) April 21, 2015
Max, you're such a tease with your answers about the lineup. Every single time, Max! Every single time!
Allegri working his way around a squad selection-related question is something we should be used to by now. Maybe he is trying to think things over, maybe he isn't and knows without question what he will be rolling out there against Monaco from the opening whistle.
With a 1-0 lead on aggregate, does Allegri go with a more defensive setup with the Barzagli-Bonucci-Chiellini trio in defense? Or, will Allegri go with his preferred 4-3-1-2 despite the absentees in midfield?
These are the decisions Allegri has pretty much executed to perfection over the last month or two. He's adapted to each individual situation and found a solution where his team can excel. Juve will need another on tonight with a such a massive spot in the Champions League semifinals still hanging in the balance.
Go right ahead and play along at home. The best way to potentially get Simone Padoin into the starting lineup gets one of our most fabulous prizes. (Attention: Prizes are not fabulous. And not actually real.)
Oh, wait, you're telling me it's the Champions League quarterfinals and Juventus has the chance to advance to the semis? Well, in that case, better luck next time, Simone. Let the others take care of this and feel free to be available to celebrate goals just like you were when Juve took a trip to Germany last month. You did so well that day.