Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri previewed the bout with Zenit: “They are a pretty good team and have a few technical players. They are very European. It is an important step because our chances to qualify would increase with a positive result.”
“Matthijs De Ligt has recovered; otherwise, Daniele Rugani would have started. He, Leonardo Bonucci and Wojciech Szczesny will be in the XI. Arthur will get more minutes, but we will see how. He can dictate the tempo, like Manuel Locatelli and Rodrigo Bentancur. Other midfielders are more dynamic. Alvaro Morata is fully fit too. Alex Sandro did not play the last match and will be present. Mattia De Sciglio is coming off an excellent display, but it should be the norm for him.”
Allegri commented on the recent winning streak: “It is not a turning point of the season, but we needed it. Our performances improved, both in our approach and in the final third. We had some good displays early on, but we made some blunders, and some episodes did not go our way. We must not get carried away now. Campaigns are usually decided in March.”
“I had to get to know some players at first. They are enjoying defending, and that is a positive. We need to improve in the attack too. The results bring confidence and raise the level of serenity. Our goal till November will be the stay close to the top sides.”
Allegri provided an update on Paulo Dybala: “He is progressing, but he has yet to go into full training. He will almost certainly be available against Inter.”
The coach said his piece on the refereeing controversies: “They are typical in Italy, as everybody thinks they have been wronged every Sunday. The officials are going through a generational turnover and need time.”