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Angel Di Maria has been “galvanised” by Argentina’s World Cup success, which Massimiliano Allegri sees as good news for Juventus.
Di Maria played a starring role in his country’s epic final triumph against France on Sunday.
The winger won the penalty for Lionel Messi’s opener, then added a sublime second himself before being substituted with Argentina seemingly in control.
France rallied to reach a shoot-out following a 3-3 draw, but Messi and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez led Lionel Scaloni’s side to a long-awaited victory.
Di Maria had returned to the Argentina line-up for the Lusail Stadium showpiece having lost his place in the XI following an injury in the group stage.
It has been a similar story for the 34-year-old at club level this season, joining Juve as a free agent but seeing only 246 minutes of Serie A action prior to Qatar 2022.
Bianconeri coach Allegri is optimistic now, however, with Di Maria joined in the Argentina squad by club-mate Leandro Paredes.
“For sure they are galvanised by this World Cup victory,” Allegri said on Thursday.
“And they are well physically, which is the most important thing, especially for Di Maria, who had some problems in the first part of the season anyway.”
Di Maria’s fitness has been far from Juve’s only problem, with Allegri’s men eliminated from the Champions League at the group stage and 10 points off the pace in Serie A.
But the coach said: “We need to prepare well and get back into the championship atmosphere straight away, because then from January 4 until June 5, we’re never going to stop.
“We need to be very good at trying to play 36 games, which would mean getting to the Europa League final and getting to the Coppa Italia final.”
