Allegri: Mandzukic is an extraordinary player

Juventus held off AS Roma today, winning 1-0 with a Mario Mandzukic goal making the difference. Speaking after the game, manager Massimiliano Allegri called for calm.

“We’re Winter Champions, but we haven’t really won anything yet. We are doing some good things, we’re in the Champions League Round of 16, but the important thing is to have a good buffer from Napoli in second place.

“49 points? Well it’s a good total but there is still a lot of football to be played. With 49 points we wouldn’t even make the UCL spots so let’s be calm.”

On the game itself and the second half where the visitors had the hosts pinned in their own half for long spells.

“Well it is an important result. The game was pretty even and Olsen did a good job against us. We didn’t give up much but Roma did well on the night.

“It was a good game, we remained organised when under pressure, Robin Olsen made some fine saves and we played well.

“We had to cause Roma problems and put the pressure on them straight away, as it’s a psychologically fragile side. We should’ve done more after going 1-0 up, as they were really struggling.

“Roma had more possession in the second half, but we didn’t really allow them any chances. I’d say it was a deserved victory.”

Mario Mandzukic had the winner but proved the essence of Juventus grinta in his performance.

“He is important because he combines physicality and technique. Mandzukic is an extraordinary player.

Cristiano Ronaldo came close to scoring a number of times but ran into an inspired Robin Olson.

“Ronaldo had several chances today and happened to run into a goalkeeper having a stunning performance. He may well rest in the next match.”