http://www.football-italia.net/81888/allegri-right-about-rugani
Allegri right about Rugani
From the start, Massimiliano Allegri’s mantra was one of patience. He knew what he had at his disposal. In Daniele Rugani, Juventus possess one of Italy’s brightest talents. The Coach didn’t want a case of too much, too soon.
“Daniele has a bright future ahead of him,” Allegri said last November, “but Juventus have three or four of the best centre-backs in Europe. It’s beyond doubt he is the future of Juventus. Right now he needs patience and to continue training.”
Even by February the tactician was echoing that thought process. He also added “Rugani must not be pressured. The same people who want him on the pitch now will crucify him as soon as he makes a mistake.”
It’s a similar sentiment Allegri expressed at the start of the season regarding Paulo Dybala. He wanted La Joya left to his own devices, to grow naturally. That approach worked and now at the business end of the season the Argentine is one of Juve’s best performing, and most important, players.
It has been a funny old campaign for Rugani. He went from playing every minute at Empoli last season – without picking up a yellow card – to only fleeting game-time in Turin. He played just 124 minutes of competitive football before Christmas, making his Juventus debut against Sevilla in September, but not featuring again until a Coppa Italia Turin Derby in December.
But there has been a method to Allegri’s perceived madness. He even said it himself – ahead of Rugani in the pecking order are three of Europe’s best central defenders. It’s not a combination the boss wants to mess with. Rugani has learnt from the trio on a daily basis.
That wasn’t enough for his agent, Davide Torchia, who blasted the Bianconeri approach. But Allegri always had a plan. And Rugani knew what lay ahead. “I have a great opportunity here but I won’t be taking anything for granted,” he stated in pre-season. “I’ve only just started at Juventus and I knew that it wouldn’t be easy. However, I must be ready when called upon.” With injury and suspension has come opportunity.
By Sunday’s Derby della Mole, Rugani’s continual development was clear to see. It was a mature performance defying his 21 years. His four interceptions – level with Mario Lemina – and five clearances – shaded only by Andrea Barzagli – highlight Rugani’s penchant for reading the game and anticipating his opponent.
Whether it was halting a counter, throwing himself at the ball or clearing off the line, Rugani stuck to his task excellently and never look flustered. Used to a four man defence at Empoli, he has slotted into Juve’s back three and played either side of Leonardo Bonucci. Last Sunday it was on the left.
Since the turn of the year Rugani has slowly been further integrated. The Stadio Olimpico di Torino affair was his fifth start in 2016. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Rugani bore the brunt of criticism following the 3-0 Coppa Italia semi-final second leg defeat to Inter, where the Bianconeri advanced only on penalties. The youngster was roundly slated – what was it again that Allegri said? – but truth be told there were a number of teammates who performed just as poorly that evening.
For the most part in 13 season appearances the youngster has excelled – and is yet to be cautioned. He was rewarded with a call-up to Antonio Conte’s Italy as a replacement for injured Barzagli. After 15 Azzurrini caps it shows that the Lucca native is in the senior squad’s plans. A place at Euro 2016 is unlikely, but come the next era Rugani should be amongst the regulars.
Those who know him best offer high praise. Allegri has called Rugani and Milan’s Alessio Romagnoli “the Italian defenders of the future.” His former Empoli boss, Maurizio Sarri, said Rugani is the “best young player in Italy.”
Juventus have expressed their desire to see Rugani wear the shirt for a number of years to come. His contract, due to expire in 2019, has already had an extra year added to it. That shows the faith the Turin giants have in a defender who is growing into a fine talent. Rugani already looks good, so just wait until he is ready to be fully unleashed.