Allegri rages at Juventus’ defending after Parma draw

Juventus continued to leak a deluge of goals, this time conceding another three, including a stoppage time equalizer that allowed Parma to make it 3-3, twice coming back from two-goal deficits at Juventus Stadium.

Midweek the Bianconeri had gotten dumped out of the Coppa Italia for the first time in five seasons, losing heavily 3-0 at Atalanta, and with Massimiliano Allegri’s makeshift defence tonight the woes continued.

Speaking after the game, the manager was disappointed with Mario Mandzukic who ruined an excellent return to the starting lineup with some unnecessary heroics trying to keep the ball in play and bleed the clock, resulting in a turnover and the equalizer.

“We were too soft defensively and made several errors. There were certain moves that were superficial and lacking in the necessary concentration. We need to be more focused, we can’t keep taking things for granted.

“We lowered our guard after going 3-1 up and then again on the final ball for the equaliser. You cannot play with that attitude at the 93^rd minute with the ball at the corner flag. It was conceptually the wrong thing to try to keep that in play. Just kick it out.”

Allegri was frustrated that the wake up call from the midweek loss was not heeded with more slack defending today.

“We were lucky to get the win against Lazio, but we were punished by Parma. We need to do a lot of work on our concentration levels.

“On the first goal, there was a cross we should’ve pushed up on, but Joao Cancelo didn’t follow the run. On the second goal, we moved too early and left a massive gap. It’s not possible to score three goals at home and concede three, it means we’re only playing to attack without thought for defence.”

With Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli all out injured, Allegri handed Leonardo Spinazzola his debut start, and veteran Martin Caceres went right into the lineup as a starting centreback next to Daniele Rugani.

“It was the first time this back four had played together and we didn’t help the centrebacks, always leaving them in one-on-one situations. They need to realise there is no shame in hoofing the ball into the stands if needs be.

“At least we gave those who complained we weren’t entertaining enough something to enjoy. Beautiful football doesn’t pay off, at the end of the day you’ve got to just kick it away from your goal.”

With Napoli winning at Sampdoria, the lead in the Scudetto race is now nine points.

“That is still a healthy advantage and this setback will ultimately do us good.”