Allegri: Any Scudetto celebrations will be postponed

Juventus are a mere formality away from lifting a historic eighth Scudetto in a row in their match against SPAL this weekend, but manager Massimiliano Allegri has made it very clear now where the priorities lie.

“I have to evaluate today’s training session, but many first-teamers will rest. There are players who need to rest. And maybe it’ll be an opportunity for some young players.

“Any Scudetto celebrations will be postponed until after Juventus-Ajax. Tomorrow could be an extraordinary day.

“And it’ll have to be celebrated because an eighth straight Scudetto would be something extraordinary, thanks in part to the great work of the club.”

Questions were asked about Mario Mandzukic’s mostly-invisible showing on Wednesday against Ajax in Amsterdam.

“Mandzukic has a very expensive way of playing, plus we can’t forget that those who played the World Cup Final had a greater burden on their shoulders.

“He and Matuidi are having a great season.”

For his squad tomorrow, we are likely to see some fresh faces in the starting lineup.

“One of Hans Nicolussi Caviglia and Luca Coccolo could play tomorrow.

“Moise Kean will start. As for injured players, with the Champions League in sight, we’ll make decisions on Sunday morning.

“Risking Cristiano Ronaldo tomorrow makes no sense, neither does risking the others who played during the international break.

“However I’ll name a tough and fair team for the challenge that awaits us. Leonardo Bonucci doesn’t have any problems, but he could rest tomorrow.

“Mattia Perin will play in goal. Juan Cuadrado will play.”

Allegri had some comments about the defensive corps as well.

“Andrea Barzagli won’t come to Ferrara. In Amsterdam he was with us to support the team.

“As for his future, I think it would be important to put his experience at the disposal of our defenders.

“In Amsterdam we had a good game against a team who were difficult to face. Rugani was very good, like the rest of our defence, but I had no doubts about him.

“We had, between the field and our bench, five or six young lads in Amsterdam. It’s a good sign for the future.”

The clash sees Allegri return to a familiar haunt, where he coached during the 2004-05 season in Serie C1.

“Ferrara is a beautiful city, where you can breathe the history of SPAL. They’ve won their last two at home. It won’t be a simple game, but we need the points to win the title.

“Winning the Scudetto would be a great source of pride for me: it’s important to work at a club that allows you to win five consecutive titles.”