Allegri: Decisions must be made, only winning counts

Juventus play their first Serie A game of the season at home tomorrow, and will host Lazio. Speaking ahead of the match, manager Massimiliano Allegri cautioned that he was going to have to manager playing time very carefully with the weather conditions and the upcoming international break in mind.

“Yes. There will only be a few changes before the international break. There will also be a very hot atmosphere tomorrow so everyone will be needed, even those who enter during the game.

“For example, the wing is more covered with Douglas Costa, but we also know what can happen with Cristiano Ronaldo there, he is good both in the middle and out wide.

“Changes will depend on the moment, our state and our opponents. From September 16 we’ll be playing every three days, so the changes will be natural.

“However, decisions must be made and only winning counts. if you win, every decision you make is a good one but they’re never fully accepted.”

He mentioned a couple of players he would still have to decide on.

“I have to make a decision on Matuidi today. He’s in good shape and he always runs. He came in late last season but immediately made us understand what he could give us.

“I’ll decide on Dybala today.

“Alex Sandro is like a new player but he must keep pushing himself.

“Leonardo Bonucci must also be evaluated like everyone else on the field. He has great enthusiasm and always has passion.”

Allegri looked back at the win over Chievo last weekend when his side let the hosts back into it.

“The game against Chievo had been one-way traffic, but then there was Cancelo’s mistake, which was an individual error.

“Just beating Chievo was enough. If we went 3-0 up after half an hour, it wouldn’t have worked out well.”

He cautioned about putting CR7 on a pedestal though.

“Ronaldo always puts himself in contention. He’s a true champion, who has built himself with work and sacrifice. He’s a good example and he raises the bar here.

“Ronaldo will never be on the bench, right? No, it can happen.

“Until now, Ronaldo has had six efforts on goal, so he must be ready to respond.”

The manager also warned about tomorrow’s opponents, who ended Juve’s record streak of 41 straight home wins after beating the Bianconeri 2-1 at home.

“Lazio are a well-coached team, who beat us last season after 41 consecutive victories at home, so we’re wary of them.

“Lazio are strong and well-drilled. They play on the break and have Milinkovic, who gives them physicality and class.”

He is however expecting Juve to rise to the challenge.

“I expect great enthusiasm tomorrow. Football is simple, you need to get to know each other more and more.

“There will be improvements.”