Only one result available. Juventus has no choice: this afternoon (15 pm) they must necessarily beat Atalanta, otherwise there will be big trouble. For Allegri, teased by Agnelli during the shareholders' meeting, for the team, confronted with its responsibilities by the president himself, for the standings, which would really cry if it didn't win.
In short, no mistakes will be allowed at the Stadium. “Juve must have more points, the president is right – commented Allegri. – We must try to get close to the first places by Christmas and then find ourselves in the spring to fight for the Scudetto”. The intentions of glory, however still achievable, however, foresee an immediate acceleration.
Atalanta, Sassuolo and Turin: the black and white week is a tough one but the margin of error is practically zero. Allegri knows this well, returning from difficult days after the draws with Inter and Borussia Moenchengladbach. The coach has been heavily criticized for his training choices, above all the double exclusion of Dybala. “There was a media trial against me – the defense at the press conference. – Inaccurate things have been said, Paulo is the striker who has played the most. Last year he was the leader of Palermo, but now he plays for Juventus and the responsibilities are greater.
We mustn't put too many responsibilities on him, I know how to manage young people. In any case, I'm the coach and I can't be influenced by the figures: if they paid 40 million for him, it's not my problem, these aren't the assessments I have to make". Today, however, the Argentine will play from the start and who knows if a good performance won't erase all the controversies. Allegri seems oriented towards abandoning the 3-5-2 also because Cuadrado, used a lot up to now, needs to rest and will start from the bench.
So space for a 4-3-3 with Buffon in goal, Sturaro, Bonucci, Chiellini and Evra in defense, Khedira, Marchisio and Pogba in midfield, Pereyra on the trocar, Mandzukic and Dybala in attack. Reja's Atalanta, so far author of a splendid championship (14 points, 5 more than Juventus), will try the coup with a rather versatile 4-3-3. In front of Sportiello there will be Masiello, Toloi, Paletta and Dramè, in the middle Cigarini, De Roon and Grassi, up front Moralez, Pinilla and Gomez.
