In the aftermath of Juventus’ 2-1 defeat to Napoli, Max Allegri emphasized the team’s perceived ‘inexperience’ and deflected inquiries regarding his own future, suggesting that such queries be directed to his agent for clarification.
Throughout the match at the Stadio Maradona, Juventus demonstrated a lack of efficiency, as evidenced by Dusan Vlahovic’s strike hitting the woodwork and missed clear-cut opportunities.
Despite Federico Chiesa’s equalizer nullifying Kvicha Kvaratskhelia’s earlier volley, Joseph Nonge, a substitute, inadvertently fouled Victor Osimhen in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick. Although Wojciech Szczesny managed to save the spot-kick, Giacomo Raspadori capitalized on the rebound, securing a 2-1 victory for Napoli.
The consequences of this defeat are significant, particularly considering that it marked Juventus’ first conceded penalty in Serie A this season.
“The lads played very well, we had good scoring opportunities and didn’t take them. This is all part of the growth process, finding greater balance in the big games,” Allegri told DAZN.
“We are in a good position, we have 11 matches remaining to achieve our objective.”
The journey was undertaken with a reconfigured team due to injuries sustained by key players such as Adrien Rabiot, Weston McKennie, Mattia Perin, Moise Kean, and Mattia De Sciglio. Consequently, Carlos Alcaraz was granted his inaugural starting opportunity alongside Samuel Iling-Junior.
“Without McKennie and Rabiot, Alcaraz did really well in his first real game. Miretti has 60-odd games under his belt already, so is more experienced.
“I don’t think Napoli had many really clear-cut chances in front of Szczesny, whereas we did not make the most of our opportunities. We also got pig-headed trying to break through the centre rather than spreading it to wide areas.
“It is a regret that we leave empty-handed, but experience of playing at this level makes the difference. We should’ve been more wide awake in certain situations.
“It was one of the youngest Juventus starting XIs of all time, I think, and that means we are working well. Our objective is to help these young players to grow so that they will be ready next season.”
Allegri was apprised of the observation that three Napoli players successfully advanced into the penalty area during the rebound, surpassing notable figures of considerable experience such as Bremer and Alex Sandro.
“I am more sad than angry, they started the run from deep and we ought to do better. Szczesny saved a bad penalty, it would’ve been better to put it out for a corner.
“Now we have a head-to-head with Atalanta and we need to pick up points.”
Vlahovic will not be participating in that match, as he was booked for a foul on Kvaratskhelia and will be suspended, but missed several sitters as well as seeing the finish bounce off the inside of the post.
“This is football, there are moments when things go your way and others where luck is not on your side. We have to work on the performances, regardless of the results, and the lads absolutely must not let their heads drop. We are on track for our objective.”
Juventus, currently positioned in the Coppa Italia semi-final, have recently received commentary from Giovanni Branchini, their agent, during an interview with Radio Deejay. Branchini’s remark, “anything can happen” regarding the team’s ownership, prompts further analysis and speculation as to its implications.
“If you want to know what he meant, then invite him on here and ask him. I am very happy to be the coach of Juventus, but every year at this time the questions start. There is no Allegri problem here, we are on track for our objectives, but have not yet achieved them yet.
“I can only thank the lads for what they’ve done so far and we hope to give the club what was taken away from us last season. We’ll work hard and then see.”
Juventus concluded the previous season by securing a position within the top four ranks. However, the club incurred penalties due to financial discrepancies, leading to a deduction of points. Additionally, UEFA rendered the team ineligible to participate in the Conference League, further exacerbating their competitive limitations.