Allegri: 'Juve can use trident'
By Football Italia staff
Max Allegri was pleased with the Juventus reaction against Atalanta and said he could use Mario Mandzukic, Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala together.
The Bianconeri put last week’s embarrassing loss in Genoa behind them by sweeping La Dea aside 3-1 this evening.
“It was a good performance, above all in terms of intensity, although towards the end of the first half we allowed three dangerous through balls and could’ve done better there,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“You use up energy if you have to chase back on counter-attacks rather than just cutting off the supply in midfield.”
Miralem Pjanic was used as a trequartista in a new 4-3-1-2 system and arguably had his best performance in a Juventus jersey.
“It wasn’t an experiment. I think Pjanic has more freedom to play in that position and can go deeper to help the midfield when needed.
“Once Dybala and Marko Pjaca return, we’ll have more options to choose from. I am glad we got back on track after 30 terrible minutes against Genoa.”
Mandzukic was extraordinary tonight, working to win back possession all over the pitch and also nodding in a corner.
“Working for an entire week in training was frankly a new experience… We got the chance to work on fitness levels as well as tactics.
“The two strikers did very well and sought each other out, while Higuain could’ve scored tonight too,” continued Allegri.
“Mandzukic is a player who amid all the quantity also provides quality. If he stands there and acts as a classic centre-forward, he’s not as effective. He had a great game tonight and sacrificed himself for his teammates. Fortunately it was just a knock to the knee, as I was afraid he’d sprained it.
“If Mandzukic and Higuain press like this, I think there are games where we could play with those two and Dybala together, albeit with a more robust midfield.
“On Wednesday we must try to beat Dinamo Zagreb to secure first place in the Champions League group, because that’s the kind of game that can really be a minefield. After that we’ll think about the Turin Derby.”
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