Allegri in conference on the eve of Juve-Napoli

Pogba? No, Naples. “Now the objective is to close the first round with more than the 38 points of a year ago”. Massimiliano Allegri launches into tomorrow’s big match against Napoli – and the possible counter-overtaking of Inter at the top of the table – with the usual formula: small steps and minimal goals. “Until January 7 – continues the Juventus coach – we must have this objective in mind by continuing on our path without getting too excited. After Monza, there is a lot of euphoria on the outside. Napoli, despite Sunday’s defeat, had many opportunities against Inter and have a good away record, collecting 17 points. Not to mention that Juventus, in the last matches against them, have only won once. A year ago we took a bad beating in their house and their value remains important. From my team I expect the will and desire to be able to win. Pressure? That’s the beauty of Juventus, no matter what happens, the season won’t end tomorrow. The important thing is to maintain balance in positive and negative moments. If we are good and a little lucky we will achieve our objectives.”

HERE IS MAZZARRI AGAIN

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“I’m happy – he adds – to find Mazzarri on the bench, not everything is precluded for Napoli and therefore it will certainly be a good match. They no longer have Kim, but the team is strong: it will be a difficult and complicated match. Respond to De Laurentiis and the external attacks against Juventus? We have to think about doing and working”, the Livorno coach cuts short.

DOUBT DANILO-ALEX

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Allegri finds Manuel Locatelli in the director’s chair (“Manuel is fine. Apart from Weah they are all recovered”) and will resolve the Brazilian defense issue at the last minute: “I have to decide between Danilo and Alex Sandro, it could be that I will break up the match for both of them. Gatti is growing, let’s not forget that three years ago he was in Lega Pro: he has made giant strides. Cambiaso is intelligent and very good at playing football: left or right makes no difference to him. Vlahovic? He’s fine, like everyone else: penalties are taken and you can even make mistakes.”

POGBA? NO COMMENT

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Closing on Pogba, for whom the Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office has requested a 4-year disqualification in recent hours. “I can’t say anything yet, we’re waiting for the next steps. Paul and I texted at the beginning, then we’ll wait for this situation to end to see each other. Let’s think about these five matches – concludes Allegri – not about the transfer market, we’ll see later.”