Juventus boss happy with squad’s fitness ahead of Lazio clash

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is satisfied with his squad’s fitness levels ahead of the Supercoppa Italiana, but has confirmed that Andrea Barzagli won’t be risked.

The Bianconeri take on Lazio in Shanghai on Saturday, with the squad travelling to China off the back of relatively poor pre-season. So far this summer, the Italian champions have fallen to defeat against Borussia Dortmund and Marseille as well as only securing a narrow win over Lechia Gdansk so far.

“Here in China the climate is a little sultry but we have been training well and I am pleased with the fitness levels,” said Allegri to Juventus.com.

“The match against Marseille was a tough test. I wanted to challenge the players and their response was good.”

The Champions League finalists have been ravaged by injuries ahead of the new season and Allegri has stated that centre-back Barzagli is on the mend from an injury but is still unlikely to feature against Lazio.

“Andrea is recovering and training with the group, but we do not want to take any risks.”