Allegri: Juve showed humility and great respect

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri insisted that Tuesday’s Champions League showdown at Sevilla was more critical for their hosts than for his Bianconeri side. He was speaking after Juve brushed aside plucky Pescara 3-0 at the Juventus Stadium earlier today.

“We mustn’t be hasty with the ball, because that risks counter-attacks, and when 3-0 up need to control the situation better to preserve energy.

“I maintain the match is more important for Sevilla than for us. If we don’t beat Dinamo Zagreb at home in our final group game, then we don’t deserve to be in the Champions League.

“Gigi Buffon just got back from international duty, Miralem Pjanic had a bruised foot and I preferred to rest him. I always say you win the title via games like this, bringing home important points. I am above all happy we kept a clean sheet.

“It’s satisfying for Hernanes, as he is a fine professional, a good guy and always puts in a decent performance. He needs confidence, as do all players.

“The team showed humility and great respect for Pescara this evening. It was not an easy game, because they were pressing high and were tactically organised.

“I thought Gonzalo Higuain had a great performance, as he sacrificed himself for the team and worked very hard. These three points are worth the same as three points against Napoli or the three points against Milan that we didn’t get…

“Let’s not talk about breaking away at the top, because Roma and Milan still need to play tomorrow.”

Hernanes, who put the cherry on top of today’s win with a shot crashed in from distance to make the score 3-0, also spoke after the game -

“The fans were waiting for it, a performance like this from me and this type of goal that I have scored many times in Italy.

“I am happy to have finally scored from distance again, but it is even more important to find the three points and stay top of the table.

“It was important today and the Coach underlined that we had to face this match with the right determination, which is what we did.

“We got the three points and are fired up to face Sevilla on Tuesday.”