Allegri: Squad rotation is normal, Higuain is not a problem

Juventus host Olympiakos tomorrow in the second matchday of the 2017-18 Champions League group stage, with both sides looking to bounce back from losses. In the lead-up to the game, manager Massimiliano Allegri spoke to the media, starting with hot topic Gonzalo Higuain.

The manager was asked if the Argentine would start the game, after being dropped from the lineup over the weekend and only coming on late in the Derby della Mole romp.

“I haven’t yet decided which four players to use upfront. Higuain is not a problem. It’d be a problem if he didn’t play for Juventus.

“We play – fortunately – every three days, so squad rotation is natural and someone will always miss out. Gonzalo just has to do what he always does – no more and no less.”

Allegri then went on to talk about who he saw starting the game tomorrow.

“It’s very simple at right-back, either Andrea Barzagli plays in the centre and Stefano Sturaro at right-back or Barzagli at right-back and Medhi Benatia in the middle.

“I can guarantee that Miralem Pjanic and Blaise Matuidi will start in midfield, as Claudio Marchisio is still out, Sami Khedira just started training with the team and Rodrigo Bentancur is the only one who can cover.”

Despite their Greek opponents losing a fortnight ago, Allegri talked about the risk of taking their opponents for granted.

“We cannot possibly underestimate this match, as it’s the Champions League and every opponent is tough. Olympiakos are a fast-paced side that can hurt us with their forwards and we have only one result at our disposal. If we don’t win, then our qualification becomes complicated.”