Allegri: I expected a different Juventus

Juventus looked hungover after their epic Champions League comeback midweek, succumbing somewhat easily to a Genoa side that were up for a fight today supported by their home fans.

Speaking after the game, manager Massimiliano Allegri was unhappy about how easily Juve seemed to capitulate.

“I expected a different Juventus. We did not put in a good performance, we made some mistakes and then this goal came out of nowhere.

“Much like the Coppa Italia defeat to Atalanta, we picked the right game to lose, because it’s just before the break for international duty, so we have time to unplug and rest.

“Inevitably, the effort we put in against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday weighed on us. We ran some risks in the first half, but did better after the break. Once we seemed to be in control, that’s when we conceded and the game changed.

“You can’t play every game to the best of your abilities. I think, if anything, this defeat can do us good and wake us up. We thought that we’d already won the Scudetto, but that is not the case. We need another five wins and must now hope Napoli drop some points.

“It’s impossible to win every game, I’ve said that since the start, so no need to make a drama out of it. We’ve played 28 games, won 24 and drawn three, so it’s not that bad.”

A somewhat fortunate Stefano Sturaro goal put the hosts ahead in the second half, with the on-loan Juventus midfielder earning instant legend status in Genoa with his gamewinner just two minutes after debuting.

“I am actually happy for Stefano, because if anyone had to score against us, I’m glad it was Sturaro. He’s a lovely guy and suffered so much, out of action for practically a year with that tendon injury, so he deserves it.”

Allegri was somewhat brief in his comments today, so that was it.