Allegri uneasy ahead of Turin return with Napoli
Massimiliano Allegri has warned his Napoli players that Juventus will be no pushover as he anticipates a tough test from the wounded Bianconeri.
Napoli and Juve will go head-to-head at Allianz Stadium in Turin on Monday (AEDT), with both coaches attracting criticism amid underwhelming starts in Serie A.
They sit seventh and eighth on the table respectively going into matchday 10, with 14 points apiece. Co-leaders Inter Milan and Lazio accumulated 25 each in the first nine matchdays.
While Napoli is at least coming off a win, having beaten Monza 4-1 in midweek, defeat against Genoa was Juventus's third loss in Serie A this season.
Ahead of a return to his former home stadium, Allegri insisted it would not be long before the Bianconeri come back to life.
"I've heard in the media that they're giving Juve up for dead, but Juventus rarely die," Allegri said.
"They're a strong team with a good coach, and in moments like these, they pull together, so it will be very hard for us. We'll need a great technical and physical performance, and some good luck.
"It won't be easy, because tomorrow is a head-to-head game against a team built to fight for the top four.
"They're like us, they have the same points, but we'll face a wounded, angry team. We'll need fighting spirit and technique. We won't find the team that鈥檚 being described [in the media]."
Juve boss Luciano Spalletti ordered his squad into an old-fashioned training retreat ahead of the game.
After the loss to Genoa, midfielder Weston McKennie said he and his team-mates must take responsibility.
"We must do more. Run, fight, and make more sacrifices for our team-mates," McKennie said.
"In the end, you can say all you want about tactics, but there are 11 players on the field, and the battle is on the field."
