Allegri: On to the next crucial game on Wednesday

Juventus beat Udinese 2-0 to go two points ahead of Napoli in the interim with the Naples side taking on Inter Milan later today. After the game manager Massimiliano Allegri cautioned there was still a long way to go this season.

“We haven’t achieved anything yet, as the season ends in May. On Wednesday, we got past Tottenham to reach the next Champions League round, we beat Udinese and can now focus on Atalanta.

“We suffered a little at the start today, but can only compliment the players for doing so well. Paulo Dybala is improving, the two goals against Lazio and Spurs gave him a boost mentally.

“Gonzalo Higuain is doing well too, even if he didn’t convert the penalty, as he provided the assist for Dybala’s second goal. On Wednesday there’s another crucial game that we have to win against Atalanta.”

Allegri was asked why Higuain was still taking penalties after he missed his second in a row.

“So far this season, Higuain and Dybala missed two each, so hopefully they won’t miss any more. I had told Paulo to take it today, but that’s fine.”

Juve have a game in hand against Atalanta coming up on Wednesday, but will be watching to see what Napoli do today.

“Tonight, however, we’ll have dinner calmly. Tonight I’ll be watching (Inter vs Napoli) hoping that Napoli doesn’t get a result. It’s normal to think that, seeing as we’re in a fight for the title with them.”

Regarding the Champions League draw to be made on Friday -

“Real Madrid is the favorite to win the Champions League. I absolutely do not want them in the quarterfinals seeing as they are far off in La Liga.”

He was also asked about rumours that he was taking English lessons with a view to getting a job in the Premier League.

“No, I’m not even studying!”

Meanwhile Dybala addressed the statement Allegri made about penalty-takers.

”I have a gentleman’s agreement with Pipita [Higuain] that when one of us scores, the other takes the penalty. The fact he missed doesn’t change anything.”