Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has praised his side’s superb run of recent form after they defeated Fiorentina 3-1 in the Derby del Sole on Sunday.
Goals from Juan Cuadrado, Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala secured a winning comeback from the Bianconeri, and after overtaking Roma in the Serie A league standings, the former AC Milan coach is now aiming to advance even further.
“Juventus have been going through a great run of late,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia. “It would be great if we can keep shortening the gap of points too.
“We’ve overhauled AC Milan and this win means we are now also above Roma. Now we need to face up to and leapfrog Napoli and Fiorentina.”
The Bianconeri had three separate scorers during their win at the Juventus stadium, however the 48-year-old tactician has singled out Mario Mandzukic, who was about to taken off during the match prior to his goal, but ultimately helped the Old Lady secure all three points.
“Funnily enough the decisive goal from Mandzukic came with Morata [Alvaro] ready to come on for him,” Allegri added.
“This happens in football though, and Mandzukic is a player at an international level standard and today he played a good game.”
He also stated that La Viola’s decline in form towards the end of the match was crucial, although did insist that they provided a difficult test for his side.
“Fiorentina really gave us a good game especially in the first-half, said Allegri. “They curtailed a little at the end which I thought was decisive.
“In the second half they were a little down and we took away the strength of Ilicic [Josep] and Borja Valero. However, they played well.”
Lastly, the former AC Milan boss also commended French international Paul Pogba, whose attacking prowess has been influential in the Bianconeri’s recent improving form.
“He played a great game,” he concluded. “Tonight the reactions from him were good, especially when recovering lost possession.
“The growth is clear and there is a reason why he determines the outcome of our matches when he comes alive in the box.”
