Juventus: 6 things we learned from Massimiliano Allegri’s first press conference

A competitive Serie A

The return of Allegri combined with the departure of Bianconeri slayer Antonio Conte from Inter Milan has seen Juventus emerge as many people’s favourites to regain the Serie A title next season.

However, you’d be naive to write off the Bianconeri’s competition. A typical Calcio coaching merry-go-round has left Jose Mourinho in charge of Roma, Maurizio Sarri leading Lazio and Luciano Spalletti at the helm of Napoli. Simone Inzaghi, meanwhile, replaced Conte at Inter, a move that appears a wonderful stylistic fit on paper, and you can’t overlook Gian Piero Gasperini’s entertainers over in Bergamo.

Allegri was quick to highlight the “many good coaches” in what promises to be an incredibly exciting Serie A. “The next championship will be very balanced, in addition to Inter and ourselves, there are Milan, Napoli, Roma and Lazio. The important thing will be continuity in the results,” he added.

While the Juve boss was keen to play down his side’s expectations for 2021/22, labelling Inter as the favourites to retain their title, he noted that claiming the Scudetto next season has to be “everyone’s desire”.

Rigid defence required

In all five of Juve’s title-winning campaigns under Allegri, they boasted the best defensive record in the division. Bear Bryant would’ve adored Conte’s and Allegri’s Bianconeri sides.

However, despite the arrival of Ajax sensation Matthijs de Ligt in 2018 to bolster a Bonucci and Chiellini-led defence, Juve have regressed slightly in this regard over the past two seasons. In 2019/20, they conceded 43 times on their way to the title, the third-best record in the division, before improving under Andrea Pirlo. Their 38 goals against was only bettered by Conte’s title-winners.

Allegri, though, will be desperate to shore up a defence that, despite its respectable record since his departure, hasn’t exactly looked impenetrable.

“The best defence won this year too, so it’s important to concede fewer goals than the others,” the Italian said. He wants his defence to be the stoutest in the country.

Rejecting Real Madrid

“I turned down Real Madrid proposal to be the new manager, yes. I want to say thanks for the opportunity but I love Juventus.”

Now that’s a lovely way to finish.