Allegri: Juve must learn to kill games off

Juventus are back in Serie A action on Monday after a successful jaunt to Jeddah where they lifted the Supercoppa Italiana for the eighth time in their history, the most in the land.

Despite the upcoming game being against bottom of the table Chievo, manager Massimiliano Allegri called for caution from his side.

“It’s Juventus-Chievo and we need to take it very seriously indeed.

“Since Mimmo Di Carlo has taken over, they’ve managed five draws, a victory and just one defeat. They can believe in and fight for Serie A safety to the very end.

“We must learn to kill games off, because when the opponents are clinging on, you need to finish them. We mustn’t give them the opportunity to get back into it. This squad has the DNA of champions and that means we must work every day to get better, not rest on our laurels.”

Allegri also provided a squad fitness update.

“Rodrigo Bentancur got a knock in Jeddah and is rested. We’ll try to have Mario Mandzukic back against Lazio, while Andrea Barzagli and Medhi Benatia are working towards recovery. Juan Cuadrado is a long way off.

“Miralem Pjanic has a bruised calf muscle, but he’s suspended anyway, so has a week to recover. I believe our big January signing will be Sami Khedira, because he hasn’t been able to contribute much so far this season due to injuries.

“I can confirm we’ll make a few changes tomorrow, so Mattia De Sciglio will be on the right, Alex Sandro on the left, with Mattia Perin in goal. Daniele Rugani will play with either Giorgio Chiellini or Leonardo Bonucci in defence. Federico Bernardeschi will start upfront.”

On the subject of Leonardo Spinazzola Allegri added that the possibility of a loan to Bologna still existed.

“Spinazzola will only leave if we have a suitable replacement.”