Massimiliano Allegri wants his Juventus team to show “personality” as they look to defend their lead in the first leg of the Europa League away to Sporting.
The Bianconeri took a 1-0 victory at the Allianz Stadium last week thanks to a Federico Gatti strike as they claimed promotion to the Europa League for the fourth time, a win that would lift them to second place in the overall rankings after “Seville”. six.
However, they are yet to get ahead of Sporting CP, who have already beaten Premier League leaders Arsenal and are undefeated in their last six home matches in all competitions.
Allegri knows his team will have to show a strong mentality to maintain their narrow lead at the José Alvalade Stadium on Thursday. He told Sky Sport Italia: “You need personality, speed and calmness.
“The match is long and will give us difficulties, this is a great team in terms of organization.
“The goal is important and not easy, Sporting eliminated Arsenal. We don’t think about the first match, but it’s a challenge.”
The team goes to Lisbon #SCPJUV #UEL pic.twitter.com/bWWyUqmAhQ
— Juventus (@juventusfcen) April 19, 2023
Now, shortly before kick-off in Portugal, Juventus will find out if their 15-point deduction in Serie A for financial irregularities remains after the results of the investigation were pushed back from Wednesday to Thursday.
Allegri, however, wants his players to focus on the big game ahead, saying: “We knew today was an important day, both in terms of decision and outcome, but above all to better prepare for tomorrow.” match.” .
“Once we know about the decision, we will put it aside and think about the match.”
While Allegri revealed that Federico Chiesa was in doubt for the game, he had positive news about Adrian Rabiot and Wojciech Szczesny, clarifying: “Szczesny is fine, he’s fine. Rabiot is free, he has gone through all the training.”
Juventus were beaten 1-0 by Sassuolo on Sunday and midfielder Nicolo Fagioli, who was at fault for the winning goal due to a poor clearance, was left on the bench in tears after Allegri ruthlessly replaced him after errors.
Full-back Alex Sandro expressed solidarity with his 22-year-old teammate ahead of the match against Sporting, telling reporters: “Sometimes it’s good to cry. We have to respect the reaction of Fagioli and everyone else after victories and defeats.
“Faggioli is young, but he already has experience. He is not the future, but the present of Juventus.