Juventus Boss Massimiliano Allegri speaks at the press conference on the eve of the match against Sevilla, the first leg of the semi-finals Europa League scheduled on Thursday evening at the Allianz Stadium in Turin that Juventus will need a great performance against six-time Europa League winners Sevilla when they host them this evening. The Bianconeri are bidding to make it to the final of the latest iteration of the cup for the first time in their history but will face a tough encounter against the competition record-holders. Speaking ahead of the game, Allegri highlighted the importance of the upcoming three weeks and pointed to Sevilla’s experience in this competition but insisted Juve has matured through the tough season they’ve faced and matured along the way. The coach gave a squad update; starting with the news that defender Bremer would miss the game. “Bremer has muscle fatigue; I don’t remember where exactly, I think in his thigh, so he won’t be there. “The others are ok. It was a pleasure to watch the training session yesterday. We need enthusiasm; the Final in Budapest would be a great achievement. “All the team feels well; it will be difficult for me [to make decisions]. Those who have played 15 or 20 minutes have helped their teammates. Vlahovis scored [over the weekend] and those on the bench will have a chance to help the team tomorrow.” On tomorrow’s opponents, Allegri warned that they should not be taken lightly.“We face a club that has won the Europa League six times, they have experience and are always in the game. We’ll need a great performance tomorrow. It’s a semi-final and it’s complicated. We must make the most of their weaknesses.” “We need the same attitude as in Bergamo, Lecce, and Bologna, knowing that Sevilla has won many trophies, so we must respect them.” What did Allegri say to Dusan Vlahovic who endured torrents of abuse from the Atalanta fans before silencing them on the scoreboard with the second goal and on the pitch with his forefinger? “I haven’t spoken with him. I understand that it’s not nice to be racially abused, but it’s better to ignore them and let those in charge punish the guilty ones.” The coach was joined on the podium by the highly experienced Angel Di Maria and before signing off he tipped his hat to the World Cup winner. “Di Maria knows what he has to do in knock-out games; we need a result and a good performance.”
Juventus will host Sevilla tomorrow in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final as they attempt to get to the final of this iteration of the competition for the first time. The Bianconeri come into this game after an impressive win away at Champions League-chasing Atalanta over the weekend while the visitors tomorrow managed to come from behind to beat second-from-bottom Espanyol.