'We were coming off a defeat to Monza' – Allegri praises Juventus fighting spirit

Allegri optimistic about Juventus' future

COPPA ITALIA 'We were coming off a defeat to Monza' – Allegri praises Juventus fighting spirit

Ayoola Kelechi 10:01 - 03.02.2023

Allegri praised his team’s spirit and attitude in their Coppa Italia victory over Lazio

After Juventus beat Lazio to claim a spot in the Coppa Italia semifinals, Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri has praised his side’s tenacity to secure the victory over the Biancocelesti.

Juventus are coming off a month of turmoil that has seen them lose 15 points due to a court ruling and drop points in three of their five Serie A fixtures, and Allegri has praised his team for bouncing back with a superb performance against Lazio in the Coppa Italia.

Spirit more important than tactics and technique

Speaking after his team’s 1-0 win over Lazio, Allegri praised his team’s spirit, which he says was more important than tactics or technique and is what will see them through this difficult period.

“These are grown-up lads, they are responsible and know that spirit is just as important as tactics and technique.

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“We were organised, played with patience and resisted the strong Lazio press this evening” Allegri said about his team.

Allegri also touched on the importance of attitude in the win, comparing Thursday’s game to Sunday’s loss against Monza adding that, “This evening was a good performance, especially in the first half, as Lazio had more of the ball after the break, but we allowed them very little. 

“The most important thing was the attitude, which we certainly did not have against Monza.”

Locatelli has Juventus DNA

Allegri reserved special praise for midfielder Manuel Locatelli, who he praised for having “heart” and the Juventus DNA.

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He said, “Locatelli had a fantastic game, he is becoming a real example for the others with his heart, mentality and the way he faces games. He is a player with the Juventus DNA inside him, he never holds back.”

Juventus’s win gives them a great start to February and puts the ghosts of January to rest.

It also means that they will face Inter in the semifinal of the Coppa Italia to put lay for a place in the final against either Cremonense or Fiorentina.