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Juventus take on Torino tomorrow in the usually-passionate Derby della Mole coming off a convincing dismantling of Dynamo Kyiv midweek in the Champions League.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, coach Andrea Pirlo remembered his own times playing in this very game, including one he grabbed the winner in the 93rd minute six years ago.
“This is an important derby for the two sets of fans, it’s always tense. It’s nice to play, there are many emotions involved. I was lucky enough to be part of it several times, to win and score important goals.
“It has been a beautiful and long week, the target now is to catapult us into tomorrow’s derby, which is the most important match.”
Pirlo is expecting a different challenge from Saturday’s opponents.
“Now, we try to recover some strength from the game the other night. We mentally prepare for an important game.
“Torino are built well and have an excellent coach. They express proactive football with excellent players in all departments.”
Alvaro Morata will miss the game after being suspended for two games following his late sending off last weekend in the draw at Benevento.
“We will try to fill the penalty area as best we can, because the goals come from there.
“With Alvaro, we are more present, while with those who play tomorrow, we will try to get there more from the outside.”
Federico Chiesa finally got his first goal for the Bianconeri but Pirlo said it was to be expected.
“I ask a lot from Chiesa. He’s doing them well, it’s not easy to be catapulted from Fiorentina to Juventus, but he’s a very good lad.
“It took him time to adapt, but now he’s growing and then with all the controversy that has followed him, he arrived with so much weight.”
Teenage centre-back Radu Dragusin got some time on the pitch against Kyiv and the coach was effusive in his praise for the youngster.
“He’s physically very strong. He’s very young and must develop on a technical level, but he will have time to do it, training every day with great champions.”