Pressure cranked up on Juve as Allegri rumours circulate
>> MILAN: Just as Juventus have overhauled pacesetters Napoli in the race for the Serie A title, the Italian leaders are under increasing pressure as they head to Atalanta tomorrow.
The defending champions qualified for the Italian Cup final beating Inter Milan after extra-time and penalties on Wednesday in what was described as a dreadful performance — by their own players.
“Tonight we played the worst ever game since I’ve been at Juventus,” said defender Leonardo Bonucci. “We were lucky to take it to penalties.”
While his side lead second-placed Napoli by three points, Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Thursday that Real Madrid were preparing to pounce for their coach Massimiliano Allegri.
Meanwhile, Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Marchisio and Martin Caceres are all out injured for the Atalanta game, but goalkeeper Gi Buffon, striker Mario Mandzukic and defender Patrice Evra should all be back in action.
Goal-shy Atalanta managed a draw with Carpi last weekend to avoid getting sucked into a relegation battle, and immediately turned their sights to a win over Juventus.
“We must look forward and try to break this streak of games without a win as soon as possible,” said their Slovenian midfielder Jasmin Kurtic, after scoring his first goal for the club in the 1-1 draw at Carpi.
Napoli, out of Europe and only three points behind Juventus, received a boost ahead of their home tie with mid-table Chievo when former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli tipped them to bounce back.
“Napoli are in good shape, they’re only three points behind Juventus who will have important commitments, and if I were at Napoli I’d be thinking about maintaining concentration,” he said.