Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has tried to downplay expectations after his side’s strong start to the season.
The Bianconeri have 10 points from their first four Serie A matches and are second in the table, two points behind early leaders Inter Milan.
With no European commitments this season, Juventus could make a serious bid to regain the title but Allegri is reluctant to look beyond Saturday’s trip to Sassuolo.
Our squad for #SassuoloJuve pic.twitter.com/UKJtA3VVeP
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Allegri told reporters: “Now we need to stay focused because there is too much euphoria and although on the one hand it feels good, it can take away energy and attention.
“We are only in the fifth round now, and Sassuolo, with the exception of a 3-0 win a few years ago, has always been a strong opponent.
“They are coming off a big defeat against Frosinone, so we have a difficult task ahead of us and we will have to be very attentive, physically and technically good. It will be important to achieve a good result.”
Allegri insists other teams are still in a stronger position than Juve and he believes returning to the Champions League will be difficult.
He said: “We have a chance to get into the top four, but it won’t be easy because Inter, Milan and Napoli are the strongest.
“We must go step by step, in a balanced way, without mood swings tied to single results.
Next stop: Reggio Emilia. #SassuoloJuve pic.twitter.com/ka6pL5Je8o
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“Whichever path we choose will depend on the results at the end of the season.
“We have to have the desire to be at the top, but we have to get results to get into the Champions League.”
Federico Chiesa and Dusan Vlahovic have been declared fit for the trip to Reggio Emilia, but after a short break ahead of Tuesday’s home match with Lecce, Allegri is aware of the need to manage his team.
He said: “Vlahovic had some back pain and Federico had some flexor fatigue but they are fully fit.
“We are only thinking about Sassuolo, but in three days we have a game and I think we will change on Tuesday. I will assess Vlahovic’s condition.
“This year we have a less experienced team, but there is enthusiasm and dynamism.
“We must continue to work hard to improve, remembering that we need to run more than everyone else and the results will bring more confidence and faith.”