Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has brushed aside reports of an altercation between him and midfielder Arturo Vidal before his side’s trip to the Stadio Friuli to take on Udinese.
The Chilean midfielder was substituted during the second half of the Bianconeris’ Coppa Italia quarterfinal against Parma and was not in good spirits as he left the pitch, but Allegri played down the situation.
“I was amazed by the Tuttosport headlines. If a player leaves the field angry because he was replaced it is part of football,” he stated at his pre-match press conference.
“Vidal had knee surgery, then played at the World Cup and it is normal that he is suffering but the doctors and other staff members have done a really good job with him.
“He took a knock to his ankle against Parma but I think he will be available for the match against AC Milan.”
Allegri then highlighted that playing the Zebrette in their own stadium is a demanding task and warned his players not to take their opponents lightly.
“It is difficult because winning in Udine is never easy. They are coming off a victory against Empoli and they play very well in the spaces and have [Antonio] Di Natale who always scores goals. We will therefore approach this match with great care.”
The 47-year-old also spoke about the Bianconeri’s transfer market activities which have, on the whole, been low profile.
“It is a crucial time because the market closes Monday. Paolo De Ceglie has returned from his loan spell at Parma and he can come in handy in the absence of [Kwadwo] Asamoah.
“And if we part with [Sebastian] Giovinco before the window closes, we surely need another striker.”
