Allegri: Media spotlight not helping Dybala

Juventus climbed up into second place in the Serie A table after easily disposing of Bologna 3-0. Manager Massimiliano Allegri was satisfied with what he saw in the win.

“The lads are putting in good performances, improving physically and in terms of solidity, as they allowed nothing at the back.

“Napoli and Inter have done extraordinary things so far this season and we needed something extraordinary to keep up with them. I am happy, now we’ve got to keep going.

“The improved defensive record is thanks to everyone working together.”

Paulo Dybala didn’t start once again, and of course Allegri was questioned about him.

“Dybala came on today and did well, but there are moments when a player just isn’t at his best and luck isn’t on his side.

“I have important players, it’s motivating to have competition for places. Of course every player is annoyed when he’s on the bench, the important thing is to react. Football is a team sport, you have to take away the I and rely only on the We.

“Paulo’s talent is beyond doubt, but he also needs to be in good physical and psychological shape.”

In other comments, Allegri expressed his frustration about how the media have been hounding the forward, including the comparisons with his Argentine teammate Leo Messi.

“I don’t think the media helped by making these comparisons that are frankly damaging. You do it often to young players, they have a couple of good games and are called world-beaters, it’s not healthy.

“When I said it was unlikely Dybala could keep up that early season scoring record, I meant it. The team is in solid form right now, some players are in better shape than others, we could change going forward and use different characteristics.”