Massimiliano Allegri Believes Juventus Can Handle Paulo Dybala Absence
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri remains optimistic his side can beat Bayern Munich even without Paulo Dybala.
Massimiliano Allegri is confident Juventus is fully equipped to cope with the absences of Paulo Dybala, Giorgio Chiellini and Claudio Marchisio in the Champions League last-16 second-leg tie against Bayern Munich.
The Serie A champion, runner-up in Europe's premier competition last season, fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 in Turin in the first leg.
However, Juve's attempt to reach the quarterfinals has been hindered by the loss of the key trio for Wednesday's contest, with Dybala and Marchisio (both calf) joining Chiellini (leg) on the sidelines.
Nevertheless, Allegri is optimistic about his side's chances of making it through.
"Our squad is capable of dealing with injuries. It's not important who plays, but how they play," Allegri said at a news conference on Tuesday. "Whoever crosses the white line for us will put in a great display. Dybala does not have any torn muscles, but I decided to leave him at home because I didn't want to risk him."
Allegri said he expects some late fitness tests for potential starters and thus has not yet decided on who he will start Wednesday.
"We'll decide [on Wednesday] about Mario Mandzukic. He trained with the team [on Tuesday] and is in good shape," he said. "'Alvaro Morata's condition is improving, he's in great shape. It would have been tough for me to leave him out.
"I still haven't decided on my starting XI."