Allegri expects lowly Empoli match to test leader Juventus
Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri insists his side will face a “good challenge” when it takes on struggling Empoli in Serie A this weekend.
Juve is top of Serie A after losing just once in the competition all season and recording five straight wins after a 1-1 draw at Genoa in mid-December.
In contrast, Empoli is 19th on the table after four wins and four draws from 21 games, although its most recent match saw Szymon Zurkowski’s hat-trick secure a 3-0 win over Monza in Davide Nicola’s first game in charge.
“It’s an important match tomorrow,” Allegri said.
“We are well physically and mentally, but a good challenge awaits us too. Empoli deserves respect, they have quality players and coach Nicola’s arrival has given them solidity, so it won’t be an easy match.”
Juve can extend its lead over Inter Milan at the top of the table to four points, with Simone Inzaghi’s side not in action until a trip to Fiorentina on Monday (AEDT).
The top two sides then meet at the San Siro on 5 February (AEDT) in a game which could go a long way to deciding the destiny of the Scudetto, although Allegri is not ruling out the challenge of AC Milan either.
“After Inter-Juventus there are still many games to play, and let’s not forget Milan who scored more points than last year, have overcome a difficult period and can get back into the title race,” he added.
“The important thing is to stay balanced, keep the bar high and try to provide continuity.
“The Scudetto-winning points tally? It’s difficult to say right now, we’re up against a strong team in Inter who are favourites and have scored a lot of points. Being close to them is a great thing given that we’re on a different path.”
Federico Chiesa remains sidelined through injury and Allegri said he will decide whether to play or rest captain Danilo.
New signing Tiago Djalo has been assessed by the club’s medical staff after completing his move from Lille, the 23-year-old having not played since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury last March.
“I feel good. My knee is fine,” Djalo said this week. “Now it’s a question of opportunity. I’m ready. I’ll give everything for the team.
“I trained with the squad yesterday and this morning. My knee is recovering well. We’ll decide with the coach what to do. I’m very calm about it.
“I’ve come here to take an opportunity and make myself available to the coach. I know I have the attributes needed to help out. It’s just a matter of getting opportunities.”
