Max Allegri insists Juventus showed their ‘inexperience’ in the 2-1 defeat to Napoli and shrugged off questions about his future. ‘Ask the agent what he meant, not me.’
The Bianconeri were wasteful at the Stadio Maradona, hitting the woodwork with Dusan Vlahovic and missing a couple of clear opportunities.
Federico Chiesa had been able to cancel out the Kvicha Kvaratskhelia volley, but substitute Joseph Nonge trod on Victor Osimhen’s foot for a penalty.
Although Wojciech Szczesny saved it, Giacomo Raspadori was quickest to the rebound for a 2-1 result.
It proved costly, especially as it was the first penalty awarded against Juventus 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 modified roster, 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 afforded 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 circumstance wherein three Napoli players exhibited rapid sprinting capabilities into the penalty box following a rebound, surpassing the presence of seasoned individuals 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 be absent from the upcoming match due to a suspension incurred for a foul committed on Kvaratskhelia. Furthermore, he failed to capitalize on multiple scoring opportunities, including missing several clear chances and witnessing a shot ricochet off the inner side of the goal 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 advancing to the semi-final of the Coppa Italia, encountered remarks from his agent, Giovanni Branchini, on Radio Deejay yesterday, suggesting a degree of uncertainty regarding the club’s future under its current ownership. Branchini’s statement infers a possibility of significant developments or alterations in the club’s trajectory, highlighting the fluidity of the situation.
“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, their standing was subsequently marred due to financial improprieties, resulting in a deduction of points. Furthermore, UEFA’s sanctions extended to their exclusion from participation in the Conference League.