The Citizen (Gauteng)

Allegri calls for Juve focus

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– Juventus host Bologna in a final title push today which could see them crowned Serie A champions for a record-extending seventh straight time by the end of the weekend.

Massimilia­no Allegri’s (above) side need six points from their final three games to secure the Scudetto but could seal another crown if they beat Bologna and second-placed Napoli lose at Torino tomorrow.

Allegri has urged his players not to lose focus after last weekend’s thrilling 3-2 comeback against Inter Milan put them in the driving seat as Napoli lost 3-0 to Fiorentina, just a week after beating the champions.

“We’ve won nothing warned Allegri.

With home games against Bologna and Verona to come either side of a difficult trip to Rome, the title looks like Juventus’s to lose with Napoli having no room to manoeuvre in their final three games against Torino, Sampdoria and Crotone.

While Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini and Claudio Marchisio, stalwarts since Juventus began their dominant run in 2012, are used to success it would be the first title for winger Federico Bernardesc­hi and defender Benedikt Howedes.

“It is a fundamenta­l match,” said Italian Bernardesc­hi.

“Winning Serie A would be my first major title, I’ve previously won the German Cup and German Supercup with Schalke 04 but never a league title,” added Howedes, who has started to settle into the team after an injury-marred debut to the season.

Roma, in third, level on points with Lazio, will want to assure their spot in the tournament after their heartbreak­ing semifinal exit to Liverpool. –

Milan

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