Juventus have been warned against any potential Serie A title complacency by coach Massimiliano Allegri, who isn’t putting a target on the points haul which could win them it.
As they chase a seventh straight Scudetto, the initiative is back with the Bianconeri after Napoli slipped to a defeat at home to Roma followed up by a draw away to Inter.
That has left the reigning champions a point clear with a game in hand, which they fulfil against Atalanta on Wednesday night and Allegri shared his views on the latest exciting developments in the title race.
“We have just taken over the lead and now we must be like a dog with a bone and refuse to let it go but let’s take it one step at a time because Napoli are still up there,” said Allegri.
“There is now a great chance for us to win the Scudetto but three points are needed against Atalanta because nothing has been won yet and congratulations must go to Napoli, who have had a beautiful and spectacular season.
“They’ve been in the lead and will fight to the end with us. We know it is going to be difficult so we can’t even congratulate ourselves on Wednesday if we win because nothing will be done.
“Napoli can get to 100 points. Does that mean we need 104? To me, I don’t even care about the record of 102 points. I don’t give a damn about that. Even if it is 81 points, whatever is enough for the Scudetto will be enough for us.”
Allegri also answered questions on his future, given speculation that he could be the subject of other offers at the end of the season, but continued to hold his cards close to his chest.
“In the three years that I have been here, I’ve had a lot of fun and the club has always given me a great squad,” he added. “We will evaluate the fourth year at the end of the season.
“Now, we must concentrate on continuing on the path we are on. What we have done is going down in Juventus history and if we want that to remain the case, we must keep doing what we have been doing.”
