Max Allegri grudgingly confessed Napoli “deserve some credit” for their victory in Turin, but Juventus “are still top and have the advantage.”
The Bianconeri fielded the same XI that beat Napoli 1-0 at the Stadio San Paolo, except for injured Mattia De Sciglio, but lost Giorgio Chiellini to a muscular problem within just 10 minutes.
Max Allegri grudgingly confessed Napoli “deserve some credit” for their victory in Turin, but Juventus “are still top and have the advantage.”
The Bianconeri fielded the same XI that beat Napoli 1-0 at the Stadio San Paolo, except for injured Mattia De Sciglio, but lost Giorgio Chiellini to a muscular problem within just 10 minutes.
Nonetheless, Juve seemed entirely content to leave the initiative to the visitors and play for a draw, ultimately punished by a last-minute Kalidou Koulibaly header on Jose Callejon’s corner.
Juve’s lead at the top of the table has now been sliced to just one point with four rounds to go, and the Bianconeri have a tougher run-in, yet to face Inter and Roma.
“It was a terrible game from both teams. There were barely any shots on goal. We had some difficulties, but we should’ve taken it to the end more carefully rather than allow a goal from a set play,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.
“It’s a head-to-head and anything can happen in those situations. Now we have a rest day, then have to prepare for what I think really will be the decisive match for our season against Inter.
“We are still top of the table, we still have the advantage. There are four games to go, two at home and two away, so we’ll see what happens.
“Napoli deserve some credit for their victory, but there were barely any chances. They had to win, we needed to either win or not lose.
“There is another advantage, as goal difference is in our favour and the head-to-head record is even. We have to shake off this match, get ready for the next and that will be very important.
“Napoli did well in their pressing tonight, we were less good in our control of the ball. I told the lads we have to shake this off in a couple of days, because I think the Inter game will be decisive for our campaign.”
This was the first time in Serie A since the Juventus Stadium was inaugurated that the hosts failed to get a single shot on target.
“I don’t know if it’s the worst Juve performance of the season. You don’t have to play well all the time… It’s not easy to win any game and I think the title race will remain open until May 20. There’s nothing you can take for granted in football.”
Paulo Dybala was replaced by Juan Cuadrado at half-time after another disappointing performance.
“I only replaced Dybala because I needed more coverage and physicality on the wings. That’s also why Mario Mandzukic came on.
“Napoli deserve some credit. It was a head-to-head that was decided by a single incident. Napoli kept possession, as they’re good at that, and we weren’t as sharp as usual on the counter. They deserve some credit, but we have to focus on the next match.”