Juventus manager Max Allegri refuses to blame players after Napoli loss

Minutes after Juventus lost for the third time in their first six games, manager Massimiliano Allegri insisted that the players did what they had to do and wouldn't be quick to point fingers at his side.

Speaking with Sky Sports Italia, Allegri answered a few questions, but it is unlikely his words will calm the savage hordes that are start to line up at the gates of Juventus Stadium with pitchforks and firebrands.

SSI - Last term they lost three games in total, but have now been defeated three times in the opening six rounds.

MA - "If I'm not wrong, I think Napoli were very good on the counter-attack. We lost the ball repeatedly and the second goal came from a misplaced pass.

"The lads did what they had to do, created several good chances and we failed to convert them. We are in a difficult moment, nobody can deny that, but it's a long tournament and we have a break for international duty coming up soon.

"Football is ruthless. You can have 30 shots on goal and concede two on the counter. We are working to get more players back to full fitness, which will give me more choices.

"As with other games, I cannot ask for anything more from my players."

SSI - Hernanes was moved into the trequartista role at the Stadio San Paolo after taking the playmaker position before.

MA - "I made this choice because Mario Lemina had more pace on the inside right of midfield and Hernanes could spread the play better. He did some good things, some not so good.

"At this moment these are the players at my disposal and I had to make these choices."

SSI - Napoli seemed far more aggressive and won the ball back in the opposition half 14 times compared to just two for Juventus.

MA - "I think tonight was fairly even in terms of intensity. Our characteristics with Paulo Dybala, Roberto Pereyra and Zaza are based more on pace than physicality.

"In Europe it's completely different to Serie A. For one, they are in or out games and that can be an advantage. I know there are statistics like contrasts and balls won in midfield, but my team played well.

"Napoli have a lot of quality and it's natural if we make mistakes to let them run into space, they will take advantage."

SSI - Juve now have just five points from six games, so a fifth consecutive Scudetto now only a pipe dream?

MA - "I can picture a Juve that will go back to fighting for the top of the table. I don't know if we can win the Scudetto, but we must certainly try.

"We have the Champions League and the Coppa Italia too. We have to acknowledge there can only be one winner and there are years when things don't go your way. A corner can change a campaign, it doesn't wipe out the previous performance."