Juventus take on Verona this weekend in Serie A action and manager Maurizio Sarri knows not to take the 10th placed side for granted, especially since their last loss was two months ago and they just held in-form Lazio to a 0-0 draw in Rome midweek.
“This time I think their consistency is clear because they have been unbeaten for some time, they have an excellent coach who asks for rhythm and intensity. The game is difficult and it is clear also for our players. The approach should therefore be of a good standard. I would underestimate my players if I thought that the opponent’s worth is unknown.”
Sarri has mostly used the 4-3-1-2 formation this season, but went with the 4-3-3 in the win against Fiorentina last weekend.
“The team is ready to interpret a form based on the players who at that moment give greater guarantees.
“Now with Douglas Costa available implementing the 4-3-3 is easier. If I have to use a 4-3-1-2 then the team will be ready.”
There has been a marked lack of goals from Juve’s midfielders this season, but that doesn’t concern Sarri at the moment.
“When our strikers score a lot then there isn’t such need for the midfielders to score. If they score less then the goals from the midfielders will become fundamental.
“We have defenders who have also scored a lot. However we can certainly improve in regard to midfielders adding goals. We are essentially working on two guys who historically have never scored much so it takes a little patience.”
Sarri wouldn’t divulge too much about his lineup for the Verona game, but spoke about getting Gianluigi Buffon some playing time and getting Danilo back as well.
“Adrien Rabiot is growing and therefore has been preferred lately. But we cannot forget who Blaise Matuidi is, in the long run he is a useful player. Now I think it is important to give him (Rabiot) continuity, he is returning to physical condition and gives me the impression of growing further.
“We started to discuss the alternation of goalkeepers, we have to manage some storms but in this month Buffon will certainly be utilized.
“Danilo is finishing his treatments, he is already training on the field even if apart from the rest of the squad. I hope that in the next week he can at least start training in a group again. I don’t expect long times.”
He also provided an update on club captain Giorgio Chiellini’s injury.
“We are on schedule after his surgery, at the moment he is training with the group.
“He is important for us, as far as playing in games is concerned, I think we will have to take it on a day-by-day basis and listen to him.”