MY ACCOUNT
Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri has warned his players of the technical ability of Sassuolo, saying they will suffer metaphorical “broken bones” if they do not match them.
The Bianconeri are in a strong position to seal Champions League qualification, and could cement their place in the top four further on Monday.
Juve sit in fourth place in Serie A, five points ahead of Roma in fifth having played a game fewer, with the Giallorossi losing 3-1 at league leaders Inter on Saturday.
Speaking at a media conference on Sunday, Allegri said: “Tomorrow it will be difficult because Sassuolo is a technical team, in an excellent position in the table and comes from a defeat.
“We will need a serious technical game, otherwise we risk going out with broken bones.”
In the 17 previous Serie A games between Sassuolo and Juventus, there have been 12 wins for the Old Lady, three draws and two defeats, including in the reverse fixture this season in Turin.
Only in one season (two draws in 2019-20) have Sassuolo managed to remain unbeaten in both league meetings against Juve.
While not literally referring to injuries with that “broken bones” comment, Allegri did later provide updates on the fitness of some of his players, giving hope for Weston McKennie and Arthur, but seeming to cast doubt on whether Manuel Locatelli will play again this season.
“Today, after training, I will make the decisions on the midfield and beyond,” he told reporters. “Arthur does not recover, we hope he is available for the Venezia game.
“As for Weston McKennie, yesterday he took his first running steps. He is improving. Manuel Locatelli, finally, is behind and I don’t know if he will return before the end of the season.
“[Matthijs] De Ligt will certainly play in defence, while I will choose one between [Leonardo] Bonucci and [Giorgio] Chiellini. Up front, I will also evaluate [Alvaro] Morata, we will see.”
