Max Allegri insists Juventus’ clash with Milan on Saturday is no turning point but hints he could revert to a three-man midfield.
Allegri’s opening response came after Vincenzo Montella suggested the showdown could make or break Milan’s season, before he was asked about giving 4-3-3 another chance, despite Juve’s 2-1 defeat to Lazio with the formation.
Max Allegri insists Juventus’ clash with Milan on Saturday is no turning point but hints he could revert to a three-man midfield.
Allegri’s opening response came after Vincenzo Montella suggested the showdown could make or break Milan’s season, before he was asked about giving 4-3-3 another chance, despite Juve’s 2-1 defeat to Lazio with the formation.
“Montella talked about a turning point? For us, it shouldn’t be a point of turn but part of a journey to get to the end of the season there or thereabouts,” the Coach continued at a Press conference.
“We need to keep picking up points in order to not lose any more ground on the summit.
“We’ve changed 8-9 players in the last three years, while Napoli have played with the same team in that time.
“It’s normal that we’ve taken a little long to find the right set-up. Sporting? Our first objective is to reach the Champions League last 16.
“Personnel? I have some doubts about our next decisive clash with Sporting. I have to make decisions, and to reach the end of the season [strongly], you need a complete and competitive squad.
“I’m happy with Bernardeschi, he scored two goals and assisted in our last two League games.
“Douglas Costa is developing nicely and picked up two assists against SPAL. Mandzukic, for us, is an extra midfielder.
“He joins in with our play, presses high up the pitch and raises our centre of gravity. He’s generous and gets others involved. He’s unrivalled in the air.
“Pjaca is still out, and he’ll have to play with the Primavera before [he can be considered for the first team].
“Howedes has resumed light training with the team and is close to returning, whereas Benatia will undergo a second round of tests today.
“All the others are available. Including Matuidi, Sturaro, De Sciglio and Marchisio.
“Three midfielders? We did so against Lazio, with a front three of Costa, Higuain and Mandzukic, and we had a great game, but the important thing is reading the game, not the formation we play.
“I still have to decide on the midfield. Marchisio did well for 20 minutes on his return, and he’ll be like a new signing for us.”