Juventus started off 2017 on a winning note, beating Bologna 3-0 and in the process setting a new record of 26 consecutive home wins at the Juventus Stadium. After the game, manager Massimiliano Allegri spoke to the media.
“It was important to get a win today so we maintained the gap with a game in hand. There are some very tough matches coming up and we couldn’t risk dropping points this evening.
“I compliment the players for interpreting the situations well, as games don’t always start one way and go to plan, so at times you need to think about what to change and how to adapt.
“It’s thanks to their versatility also that we are able to adapt the tactics and take different approaches when certain players are missing. Being able to change even during a match makes us more unpredictable for the opposition.”
He mysteriously commented that he knew Paulo Dybala would score the Bianconeri’s first half penalty, having seen the forward miss in the Supercoppa as Juve went on to lose in the shootout.
“I knew he was going to miss in Doha, but this time I knew he’d score, so I didn’t bother looking. How did I know? I’ll tell you at the end of the season!
“We were defending with seven men at stages and that left Bologna spaces. There was another drop in concentration levels, but fortunately this time we were able to switch the light back on, which we didn’t do in Doha.
“We had the sensation throughout the game that Bologna were not going to score against us and frankly we haven’t managed that often enough this season. We tend to keep possession, but not control the game – there’s a big difference.”
Allegri reinstated once again that the club’s main goal of the season was a sixth straight Scudetto.
“Our primary objective is the Scudetto and it is absolutely not easy, because Roma are pushing, so are Napoli, and we need at least 85 points to be sure of the title.
“The Champions League is a very different type of tournament where one incident can make all the difference. Over a league season, these things even themselves out, whereas in Europe you’ve got one chance.”
The rumours linking him with a move to the Premier League continue to simmer unabated, but Allegri once again reinstated that he was happy in Turin.
“I am studying English, but I have been for many years. It’s incredible, the very day I arrived in London with my daughter, I walked through the airport and saw a giant picture of me on the newspaper saying I was meant to be joining Arsenal. Dammit, I said, today this had to happen?!
“I am very happy at Juventus and until they kick me out, I’m content to stay.”