Allegri comments on Kulusevski & Fagioli, fitness update on Ronaldo & Dybala

Juventus beat Monza 2-1 in the preseason Trofeo Berlusconi on Saturday night, with goals from Under-23 star Filippo Ranocchia and Dejan Kulusevski for the win.

Speaking after the game, coach Massimiliano Allegri was asked about Kulusevski’s performance and outlook.

“Kulusevski has potential, but he needs to improve a lot. After all, he’s only 21 and has to be more determined in front of goal, much more effective when attacking the goal.

“He shouldn’t always go for the inside of the foot or try placing it, sometimes you need to put your foot through it.”

How has Nicolò Fagioli improved in the two plus years since Allegri last saw him?

“He came on and had a good second half, he was active, clean and I saw progress. We’ll evaluate with the club what to do.

“These are young players who lack experience, they sometimes feel ashamed of kicking the ball away, but you have to do that sometimes during a match situation. We need to teach them some of the tricks of the trade.”

Rumours are still rife that Miralam Pjanic is looking for a return to Juve from Barcelona, with Allegri asked directly if he was putting in a good word for his former lynchpin. Surprisingly though, the coach chose to talk about Aaron Ramsey instead who was moved into more of a defensive midfielder role in a 4-3-3 formation;

“I don’t know about that. The club takes care of the transfer market, we talk every day. Ramsey played very, very well in front of the defence and I think in that role he can really become an important player.

“I salute Mire, because we spent four years together with great victories. He is a Barcelona player now, we have talented players, and I think if Ramsey can be convinced to play in front of the defence, he can really do well there. He already can see passing channels, has a good sense of the geometry of the field and can also rest on the ball more than he does upfront.”

Both of Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala did not make the trip to Monza as they continue to get to full offseason fitness.

“Ronaldo arrived with enthusiasm, like everyone. Dybala has a muscular problem on his left foot, so the stronger one. He should be at our disposal against Barcelona along with everyone else, who should come on Monday. At that point, we’ll have 20 days together to prepare the season.”