The calm before the storm. Juventus anticipates against Udinese (20.30 pm) but everyone's mind, obviously, is already at Atletico Madrid. The victory in Naples, if possible, removed the little pathos that still remained in the Scudetto key, making today's match, in fact, a simple aperitif in view of Tuesday. The speech, mind you, only applies to the black and whites of Turin because those of Udine, standings in hand, cannot afford missteps: even this Juve, however, certainly cannot relax, not a few days before the match which is worth a season.
"We must continue to win regardless of the advantage over Napoli - confirmed Massimiliano Allegri - We are missing six successes to get to the Scudetto and in any case a good match would prepare us for Tuesday". The coach's reasoning is understandable, because it is clear that the whole Juve world is already thinking about the Champions League. In fact, the Italian title, however important, is no longer enough to satisfy clubs and fans and the coach does not like this, forced to win in Europe to avoid the word failure.
“When I arrived there was fear of not even getting through the group stage, now we aim for the trophy – he retorted in the press conference – Winning is extraordinary, continuing to do so is even more so. Rumors about me slip past me, I like to see the glass half full. Then it's normal for you to do your job and with the team at +16 on Napoli you say it's right to change me...".
The unusually polemical tone makes us understand how much he too feels Tuesday's appointment, with the awareness that, in one direction or another, it will end up directing the entire season. But the "barking conference" didn't spare the fans either, whose behavior evidently didn't satisfy the Juventus coach. "I hope they come to the stadium against Udinese and that they enjoy themselves, because the last time against Frosinone it felt like playing behind closed doors - Max's prodding - The team always needs them, not just in the Champions League".
In short, the climate is starting to overheat: whether this is good or bad we will soon know. In the meantime, there is a championship match to play and Allegri, beyond the customary phrases, is well aware that it is just an "annoying" pre-Champions match. The turnover will be abundant in all departments and will not even spare Ronaldo, who will be left to rest in an attempt to restore his polish in view of Atletico Madrid.
At the Stadium we will see a 4-3-3 with Szczesny in goal, De Sciglio, Barzagli, Rugani and Alex Sandro in defense, Emre Can, Bentancur and Matuidi in midfield, Bernardeschi, Mandzukic and the young Kean in attack. Typical formation, with the exception of the suspended Mandragora, instead for Nicola, who will field his Udinese with a 3-5-2 that will see Musso between the posts, De Maio, Nuytinck and Ekong in the back department, Larsen, Fofana, Sandro, De Paul and Zeegelaar in the middle to support the Pussetto-Okaka offensive duo.
