Max Allegri explained his choices for the 3-2 victory away to Inter and believes it could “make a big difference” in the Scudetto race.
“It was a wonderful evening of football between two teams who needed to win and went all out,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.
Douglas Costa had put the Bianconeri ahead, then Matias Vecino was controversially sent off on just 17 minutes, but Inter still turned it around to lead 2-1.
Max Allegri explained his choices for the 3-2 victory away to Inter and believes it could “make a big difference” in the Scudetto race.
“It was a wonderful evening of football between two teams who needed to win and went all out,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.
Douglas Costa had put the Bianconeri ahead, then Matias Vecino was controversially sent off on just 17 minutes, but Inter still turned it around to lead 2-1.
A flurry of late goals from Juan Cuadrado – with Milan Skriniar deflection – and Gonzalo Higuain sealed the San Siro thriller.
“We were aggressive and played well throughout the first half, but we fell asleep in the locker room and ended up trailing. We kept putting crosses in when we should’ve passed it around the box to tire them out.
“Inter played well, but got tired in the end, crumbled physically and we took advantage. It’s another step towards the Scudetto, even if it remains very difficult.
“Nothing is ever certain in football. I knew it would be tough and in the final four rounds there is always more pressure than when you play in September.
“Even a side with great mental strength will have moments where they lose confidence. Fortunately, the lads have found it again and we turned it around.”
Allegri was sent off after the Higuain winner for pushing and shoving his own players practically in midfield.
“I saw the lads were still celebrating and there were four minutes to go, so I didn’t want a repeat of Madrid.”
Some of Allegri’s decisions were extremely risky, as he used Cuadrado as a right-back and dropped Paulo Dybala.
“I had to choose either a more defensive full-back or attacking one. We had to win, so I chose Cuadrado. He has more technique and pace, so did very well in that role.
“I chose Daniele Rugani because Medhi Benatia had played many games already and he was strong in the air.
“The team is in good physical shape and the last month is a physical as well as psychological strain, as you’re not as fresh as the start and every decision or tackle can be tricky.
“You need great players to come up with something remarkable. Otherwise every player would cost €1m and nobody would be worth €100m.”
The result means Juventus are four points clear of Napoli ahead of the Partenopei’s trip to Fiorentina.
“It’ll make a big difference in the Scudetto race. It is very difficult to win at San Siro and the lads put in an extraordinary performance. We know that we’ve got to win them all.”
Inevitably, there will be controversy on referee Daniele Orsato, as Matias Vecino saw red, yet Miralem Pjanic was very fortunate not to receive a second yellow.
“Orsato had a good game. I thought he was fair. Of course, some decisions will always be controversial, but Orsato is one of the best referees in Serie A.”