Allegri: ‘Juventus very close to achieving targets’

Max Allegri explains why Dusan Vlahovic was substituted and insists Juventus ‘are very close’ to achieving both their targets after a Milan stalemate.

The Bianconeri continue their negative streak with a third consecutive Serie A draw, meaning they have won only three of their last 15 competitive matches.

They had easily the best scoring opportunities this evening, but were denied by Marco Sportiello, the upright and Malick Thiaw’s goal-line clearance, whereas Wojciech Szczesny remained untested.

Vlahovic seemed irritated when substituted for Arkadiusz Milik today, but was also spotted later with an ice pack strapped to his right knee, so was it a tactical change or one caused by injury?

“It was a normal substitution, Dusan had done well, but I needed fresh legs. Milan were getting deeper, so I threw on Milik, Chiesa and McKennie who is good on crosses,” Allegri told DAZN.

“Pioli did very well, because he inverted the full-backs to put Florenzi on the right against Chiesa and a taller lad on the left.”

Milan therefore retain the five-point advantage in second place, while Juve have to look nervously over their shoulder at Roma, Bologna and Atalanta after three consecutive Serie A draws.

“We always seem to have five or six chances to score, we need to improve our passing, make fewer mistakes, but we are working on that.

“Those who came off the bench against Lazio scored and allowed us to go through in the Coppa Italia, this time they tried to help us win and we did get shots on target.”

Kenan Yildiz finally got a rare start, but it was not as part of a trident attack, it was in place of Chiesa.

“Federico attacks the space, Yildiz has very good technique and can stop the ball in any situation. They are different players. Chiesa needs to improve in his first touch already getting him in the right direction.”

Allegri pressed on Juventus future

Although many assume that Allegri is on his way out at Juventus, would he go with the same ideas next season or adopt a different system?

“I love players who are technically gifted, I grew up with a coach who never once mentioned a system. These are questions for the club.

“I am just trying to focus on the end of the season and putting out a team that is balanced. This second half showed a lot more confidence, I am very happy with the performance and football can be played in many ways, there’s no single approach that guarantees victory.

“The squad needs to be evaluated, the club will decide if it needs to be reinforced or if it’s fine as it is for next season.”

If Juve win the Coppa Italia and qualify for the Champions League, will that be enough for the club to keep Allegri for the final year of his contract?

“I was always told nothing is certain in life. I am very pleased with the work the lads have done. We were given two objectives this season, we are very close to achieving both of them.

“Last season we lost the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana right at the end, these are lads who are growing with these important matches.”