MY ACCOUNT
Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri added his voice to those congratulating Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid on their extraordinary win against Manchester City in the Champions League semi-finals.
Los Blancos were 5-3 down on aggregate heading into the 90th minute at the Santiago Bernabeu before two goals from substitute Rodrygo forced extra time, and a Karim Benzema penalty sent Madrid through to the final, where they will meet Liverpool in Paris.
The victory marked the fifth time Ancelotti has guided a team to the Champions League final, the most of any manager in the competition’s history, surpassing the four by Alex Ferguson, Marcello Lippi and his upcoming opponent in the French capital, Jurgen Klopp.
Speaking at a news conference ahead of Juve’s game with relegation-threatened Genoa, Allegri was inevitably asked about Wednesday’s remarkable game.
“It was a wonderful match,” he said. “I have to congratulate Carlo Ancelotti because he did something extraordinary.”
Focusing on his own team’s goals, Allegri explained that while he is relieved to have secured Champions League football for next season after nearest rivals Roma could only draw 0-0 with Bologna on Sunday, he wants Juve to continue to set high standards, especially as they prepare for next week’s Coppa Italia final against Inter.
“From now to the end of the championship we must try to score as many points as possible. We reached the minimum goal of fourth place with three matches to go, and we are happy with that. [Thursday] we will have to play a good match.
“The Coppa Italia is our goal [now]. At the start of the season, all competitions must be a goal. We will play this match on Wednesday and we are happy to be there.”
The former Milan boss also insisted he will play the strongest team he can against Genoa as preparation for the clash with Inter, though did confirm that Danilo and Luca Pellegrini will be missing.
“Tomorrow our strongest line-up will be on the pitch. Danilo will rest and will be back with the team on Sunday morning. Pellegrini has an ankle injury and will not be available.
“Juan Cuadrado and Mattia De Sciglio will return.”
Allegri was also asked about the impact of Dusan Vlahovic, January’s big-money signing from Fiorentina who has seven goals in 17 appearances across all competitions since joining the Bianconeri.
“I am very happy with Vlahovic. I didn’t expect him to be able to immerse himself so well in the team and in Juventus. He has done very well so far and I am really satisfied.
“He, like others, can only get better. Tomorrow he will likely play.”
