Allegri introduce Juventus vs Sampdoria

allegri

Massimiliano Allegri held the final pre-game presser of 2018 earlier today and begun by addressing the regrettable events prior and during Inter-Napoli: “The President of the Federation issued a statement and there are some precautionary measures that can be arranged. We can turn the ship, but we have to do it with facts and not with words. I hope this could finally be the right time.”

“I do not think that stopping the games is the right way, that should only happen if there are public order problems. That being sad, I do not tolerate any kind of racism or insult towards tragedies or the dead. We no longer have respect in Italy. We need to educate the children, speak in the schools. Sport and football should be educational, but we have to take this path together. Our interviews carry a weight and influence people, so we are responsible and we have to avoid some escalations. It is a pity, because there were many kids on the stands during the boxing day.”

On the upcoming game: “Blaise Matuidi was under the weather, Medhi Benatia had an inflammation: they are both available, like Federico Bernardeschi. It will be tough, Sampdoria are even fighting for a Champions League spot, but we need these three points to go on vacation serene, otherwise we will be bitter during the holidays. We will have to be ready. Wojciech Szczesny will start tomorrow.”

On Fabio Quagliarella: “He is extraordinary, he always punishes us.”

On the first half of the season: “50 points is a good haul. We played well in Bergamo, down to ten men for a long stretch and we finished strong. We have won 16 games and grabbed the top spot in the Champions League group. We can end on a high note, another win would raise the bar.”

On some tension with the referees: “I spoke too vehemently to the fourth official against Atalanta, I regret that but we needed a spark. We had conceded twice, unfortunately it was bound to happen, but I am glad for how we reacted.”

On the line-up: “Benatia should have played midweek. Daniele Rugani will start tomorrow and Leonardo Bonucci will rest. Paulo Dybala is final and he is coming off a good game. Mario Mandzukic recovered and Cristiano Ronaldo will be back in the XI. Douglas Costa did well versus Atalanta and Bernardeschi returns. I have some important men on the bench, it will be a long match with an intense final, since it will be the third one in a week. Leonardo Spinazzola might start over Alex Sandro, I am happy for how he is training.”

On Manchester United’s rumoured interest: “I am fine at Juventus, we are doing great things with the managemnet and we will move forward together. We are in December and there is a long way to go before June.”

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