Pirlo: Juventus have to move the ball more quickly

Juventus needed two late, late goals to come from behind and beat crosstown rivals Torino, much like Inter Milan and Lazio have already done this season.

Coach Andrea Pirlo, who nabbed a winner in a similar manner six years ago in this very fixture was ecstatic at the end of the game.

“It’s more exhausting as a player, very different as a coach, but the feeling of victory is the same.

“When you lose every challenge, it becomes difficult to control the game. We were too static, we never filled the box when we did manage to find some width to put a cross in and it’s difficult against a five-man defence.

“We remembered after the break that the Juventus DNA is to put in heart and sacrifice. Once you can pin Toro back into their own half, it becomes easier to get the breakthrough.”

Substitute Weston McKennie with a goal along with solid showings from fellow subs Aaron Ramsey and Alex Sandro.

“Not everyone can always give 100 per cent, but those who came on provided determination, dynamism and attacking spirit, which is what won us the game.

“When opposition teams clam up and are very organised, you have to keep moving the ball to create the spaces and stretch them out. We didn’t do that in the first half, we did after the break.

“If we lack heart, we don’t move it as quickly either, and it all comes together. Sometimes, it’s not simple to find a breakthrough just by creating clean passing moves, you have to fight.”

Pirlo was asked if this Juve side lacks character and identity even though found out a way to grind out the three points.

“It’s true, our DNA must remain at the centre of the whole team. At times, games do get messy, we concede after a few minutes and our opponents defend well.

“When you can’t style your way through, you have to find other ways. We do have to move the ball more quickly, as otherwise we give the opposition more time to get back into position, so it’s all the same thing really.

“A side like Juventus absolutely cannot go into a game lacking character, tenacity and hunger. You need the style and good football, but also the determination. You can’t just have one without the other.”

Juan Cuadrado was unfortunate to be denied a goal by VAR, but made it up while grabbing two assists with delightful crosses that ended up in the back of the visitors’ net. On the opposite side Federico Chiesa endured mostly frustration however.

“Cuadrado is a champion, he’s played at the highest level for 10 years, so he’s accustomed to this type of game. Until a few weeks ago, Chiesa had never played in Europe, while wearing the Juventus jersey is different to other clubs.

“When you introduce young players, you have to wait for them to develop, but also continue to trust why you bought them in the first place.”