Allegri: Juve will use three-man defence when circumstances require it

Juventus scored early and then used possession to shut out visitors Bologna in a 2-0 win. Paulo Dybala grabbed the opener after being restored to the starting lineup, with Cristiano Ronaldo assisting Blaise Matuidi for the second goal.

After the game, manager Massimiliano Allegri explained his reasoning for using the three-man backline.

“I went with that formation because I thought it was the best one for us at this moment in time. We’ve had lots of tiring games already, we were missing a few players and I needed to rest a few more. Plus I wanted to bring some fresh legs in.

“There are many players out injured and I had to rest someone, so I tried to give some width to the side with Joao Cancelo and Juan Cuadrado. We’ll go back to a four-man defence and use three when the circumstances require it.

“Paulo needed playing time to find his feet and he was excellent tonight but he wasn’t the only one. Mattia Perin had a great debut, while Andrea Barzagli and Rodrigo Bentancur were another two who impressed.”

Speaking about the game itself, Allegri said -

“The team did well and proved its maturity. We played well on a technical level in the first half, while after the break we used the perimeter of the field too much and didn’t go through the centre.

“I was very happy with the way we approached the match – there was no sign of arrogance, no suggestion we thought the points were already in the bag. We gave the ball away a few times too many in the second half but overall I can see we’re improving.”

He is happy with the progress the team is making this season so far.

“The more time these players spend together the better they get to know each other and improve their understanding. They’ve shown great maturity: they can read the game and understand when to keep the ball and not risk losing it.

“Our win against Valencia was great for our self-belief but Frosinone proved tough to break down. There are lots of areas where we still need to improve, especially now that we have two big games coming up.”

The first of those is a clash with Napoli, who sit three points behind the Bianconeri in the table.

“On Saturday it’s a head-to-head with Napoli and it’ll certainly be a great game. I don’t have a line-up in my head right now, as on Friday in training we’ll see everyone together and decide.”

Ronaldo didn’t score today, and obviously Allegri was asked about it.

“I wanted to rest him in the second half, but he was so eager to play and score. It is more difficult to play in Italy and I am happy with what he’s doing so far.

“Cristiano has a particular way of touching the ball and these details make him a champion.”