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Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has revealed that Leonardo Bonucci and Mattia Perin will start the Coppa Italia quarter-final fixture against Sassuolo, and hinted that Dusan Vlahovic could be rested ahead of a huge Serie A clash with top-four rivals Atalanta.
In-form Juventus are unbeaten in 10 league games since losing at home to Atalanta in late November, but will shift their focus to reaching a 10th Coppa Italia semi-final since 2006-07 when Sassuolo travel to Turin.
Allegri, who lifted Italy’s domestic cup in four successive seasons during his previous spell at the helm, said the Bianconeri were determined to reach the final four, but spoke openly about his intention to ring the changes for the quarter-final match-up.
“Sassuolo play well technically, they lost their last game 4-0 [against Sampdoria], so they’ll be looking for revenge,” he said.
“We need a serious performance, which would help us to prepare for the match against Atalanta.
“I am happy to be back and to be in the race for all the targets. The enthusiasm is back after the last game, but we can’t go too far. Too much confidence is not okay.
“Our target is to go as far as possible in the Champions League and to finish in the top four.”
Allegri confirmed that back-up goalkeeper Perin and defender Bonucci would start against Sassuolo, while also revealing that he is likely to rest one of the Old Lady’s attacking stars, with big-money signing Vlahovic potentially making way.
He said: “Everyone is available apart from [Giorgio] Chiellini and [Federico] Bernardeschi. [Moise] Kean is suspended, and Bonucci and Perin will start. The Coppa Italia is one of our targets.
“I haven’t decided on the line-up yet, but the most important game is the next one, so we’ll field the best possible formation
“One of them [Juventus’ forwards] could rest, I need to assess Vlahovic.
“Kaio Jorge could start the game, but we need to bear in mind that the match could be long, with extra-time and a penalty shoot-out. There are five substitutions, which will all be important.”
New recruit Vlahovic started alongside Paolo Dybala and Alvaro Morata against Verona last time out, netting a well-taken debut goal to reach 18 Serie A goals from just 13.09 expected goals so far this season.
