Allegri: "Napoli? Being first now doesn’t count"

The new Juventus, with a three-man defense and a double trequartista behind a central striker, liquidated Crotone with three goals in the second half launching the from Friday’s super-match on the Napoli pitch. Max Allegri commented at the end of the game to Premium Sport on the progress of a match that saw the Bianconeri not shine in the first half:

“Our of goal is still to get to March hooked to the leading group and then play the final sprint. In Naples we will face two teams fighting for the championship, but the season is still long: we have done very good things so far, they have been extraordinary, but it is not the few points gap now that will make the difference. The points gap in May will make the difference, I’m not interested in being first now. We are doing what we have to do, although we have to keep working so that we don’t leave a few points on the road as we have on a few occasions.”

Second consecutive game without a goal against: “The improvement in defense does not depend on the tactical changes I have made,” Allegri added, “Today we had an extra defensive player, but the fact is that slowly we are all improving our physical condition. This gives us hope, because it will be difficult this year, with so many teams aiming to beat Juventus. Marchisio’s recovery? He had a good game, he is recovering and will be important, like everyone else, as the season progresses.”

Dybala is a young guy who after the first few games of the season had been catapulted to the moon. There can be a period in which things go less well and opponents take measures. We have to be good at tying the ribbon back together and staying calm. These moments pass and are important for growth.”