Allegri: “We need to produce a big performance”

For the third season in a row, Juventus and Atalanta are preparing to go head-to-head in the Coppa Italia, with the two sides set to face off in a one-legged quarter-final tie in Bergamo on Wednesday night.

On Tuesday, Massimiliano Allegri appeared at his pre-match press conference to preview the game.

“There will be no second chances – we need to produce a big performance,” said the Juve coach. “It won’t be easy. Atalanta have scored more goals than anyone else in Serie A this season and they fought back against Roma on Sunday, creating lots of chances. Physically, they’re one of the few sides that can match us – but they do give you chances. In these one-off games, the winner is the team that makes the fewest mistakes. We need to take advantage of their weaknesses.”

CUP LINE-UP

Allegri also provided some team news ahead of the cup clash.

“[Miralem] Pjanic and [Sami] Khedira are definitely available,” revealed the boss. “[Mario] Mandzukic is doing very well but I need to look at him today, while [Juan] Cuadrado, [Andrea] Barzagli and [Leonardo] Bonucci are out. Bonucci’s injury is less serious than initially thought and we hope to have him back as soon as possible. I’ll make a few changes to give some players a rest and give others a game.

“[Wojciech] Szczesny will play in goal as [Mattia] Perin will start on Saturday. [Giorgio] Chiellini and [Daniele] Rugani will definitely play at the back, with [Joao] Cancelo on the right and one of Alex Sandro or [Leonardo] Spinazzola on the left. If the transfer goes smoothly, [Martin] Caceres will be available for selection. I still need to make my mind up in terms of the midfield, but [Blaise] Matuidi is one of the central midfielders in with a chance of playing.”

RONALDO & DYBALA

The Bianconeri coach went on to speak about Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala.

“Cristiano is having an excellent year in terms of his physical stats,” he said. “Looking at the number of games he has played, we’re more or less in line with where he was when he was at Madrid. I spoke to Paulo a couple of days ago. He’s had chances to score, such as the opportunity that led to Cancelo scoring against Lazio. He enjoys his football much more when he plays like that too.”

LOOKING AHEAD TO ATLETICO MADRID

Last but certainly not least, Allegri turned his attention to the upcoming Champions League Round of 16 tie with Atletico Madrid.

“The Atletico Madrid match is a game of football,” he said. “Nowhere is it written that Juventus are the hot favourites or the best team in the Champions League. That’s crazy. The Champions League is one of our objectives, alongside the league, the Coppa Italia and the Italian Super Cup. If we play well and get some luck, we’ll progress.”

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