Permanence in Serie A became the first objective of Juventusafter being penalized 15 points by the sports court for fraudulent transfers, coach Massimiliano Allegri said on Monday.
“Right now, we have 23 points (13th in the standings). We need to reach 40 to save ourselves. It may sound strange, but that’s how it is”, explained the coach in a press conference one day before the match against Salernitana, which will close the 21st round of the championship, called the “direct duel”, since the opponent is currently 16th, two points behind Juventus.
“We have to set mini-objectives and take one step after another. First, reach 12th place (currently occupied by Fiorentina) and then the other teams that are ahead”, added the coach of the Turin team.
“By doing this, we will win games and manage to keep the tension high with a view to the Europa League and Coppa Italia,” he said, citing two possible titles to salvage a difficult season.
Juventus was penalized on January 20 with the withdrawal of 15 points by the Court of Appeals of the Italian Football Federation, for having recorded in its accounts profits above market value on the sale of some players.
The Turin club announced an appeal with the Italian Olympic Committee (Coni) to annul this sanction.
The players commanded by Allegri will face French Nantes in the Europa League playoffs on February 16 and 23 and are qualified for the Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter Milan in April.
Juventus will be without Paul Pogba against Salernitana due to muscle discomfort in the thigh, which makes it difficult for him to return to the pitch.
The Frenchman, who injured his right knee in July and had surgery in September, has not played for the club since returning last summer six years after his move to Manchester United.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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