Allegri: ‘Tricky Juventus moment, but we must be realistic’ | OneFootball

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri admits this is a ‘tricky’ moment for the Bianconeri but insists Inter are on a different level and ‘deserve praise’ for their results this season.

Juventus lost their second consecutive game on Monday, suffering a 1-0 loss against Udinese. It was their first home defeat this season, which means Inter are now seven points ahead at the top of the Serie A table, with a game in hand.

“It’s a tricky moment because we earned one point in three games. We have an important target, which is the Champions League. We must return to winning to secure a Champions League placement,” Allegri told DAZN after the game.

“The last 15 days were not so nice, we were reduced to ten men against Empoli two weeks ago. Tonight, Udinese had just one shot on target while we had three or four chances in the first half. We should not underestimate what we’ve done until now. The lads have done an extraordinary job and it’s through these moments that we grow up, so we must continue to work.

“I think the first half was good technically but when we have a chance, we must score,” continued Allegri.

“We conceded from a set piece. We didn’t have enough players inside the box.”

Where Juventus too tired tonight?

“There were not enough late runs, we put many crosses in, and we built a few chances on the left flank. We are sorry because we are no longer unbeaten at home. We must keep working and set our sights on the Champions League,” Allegri replied.

With Inter enjoying a seven-point lead at the top of the Serie A table, Allegri was asked if the Nerazzurri have now become uncatchable for the Bianconeri.

“Having the ambition to stay close to Inter gave us motivation, but as I’ve always said, Inter are having an extraordinary season, so they deserve credit,” Allegri replied.

“They started their project with Antonio Conte many years ago, so it’s normal that they are favourite. Juventus began on a different path two years ago; our target is to return to the Champions League even if we last season got there.

“Simone [Inzaghi] is doing extraordinary work, but I am not crazy when I say certain things. There are different levels. In my first five years at Juventus, we had the best team and it was normal to win. Even if victories are always extraordinary, that was the norm. The same goes for Inter now. Having earned 60 points with a game in hand, means they have a great pace, so Simone and his staff deserve praise.

“I’ve always said Milan would have returned in the race. What we need to do now is work hard. I am happy with what the players have done until now. We have earned 52 points but we must get as many now,” added Allegri.

“Of course, young players need time to grow. It’s about finding balance and it’s normal. This team has excellent players. We could have done more against Inter, but we faced an extraordinary team. We must do something more because a Champions League placement is not granted yet and this moment can become tricky. Right now, we should not look at the table but earn the points we’ll need for the Champions League. We have more points than we expected to have at this point at the start of the season. We must be realistic in life.

“Inter played a Champions League Final last year. They’ve been improving, so they deserve praise. It’s normal. On my side, I congratulate my players too because they are having an important season too.”

Juventus visit Hellas Verona at the Stadio Bentegodi in the next Serie A game on Saturday. Their next home fixture is against Frosinone on February 25.

Juventus’ loss to Udinese also means Milan are now just one point below the Old Lady in the Serie A table.