Juventus coach Max Allegri singled out Mattia Perin and Angel Di Maria for praise following their 2-0 win over Spezia. The Bianconeri struggled to create much in the first half against a resolute Spezia side, but goals from Moise Kean and Di Maria were enough to earn a valuable three points in their bid for European football next season. Speaking with DAZN after the game, Allegri reflected on a tough match and why goalkeeper Perin was the difference for a lacklustre Juve side:
“It was a bad first half, we started better after the break and could’ve had another goal with Kean. When Angel came on, clearly he has such quality and experience that it makes everyone feel calm.
“Football is strange, as paradoxically we had more shots on our goal tonight than from Nantes and we must congratulate Perin for his performance, especially the extraordinary one on Gyasi.
“We have now amassed 47 points and must continue along this path, rising to 32 in the table and catching seventh place.
“All teams have struggled against Spezia, but again strangely thought we played better in the second half, we allowed them more chances. Perhaps there was some fatigue, some misplaced passes.
“It was the first time we had Vlahovic and Kean starting together, so they needed to get the rhythm right on who had to attack the space and who had to make the other run.”
“We did not expect Spezia to play with four at the back, so that was a surprise. Once again, we needed more calm on the ball, as at times we can be a bit hysterical in possession and that is where Di Maria is different.
“Have you ever seen champions who are agitated or hysterical with the ball at their feet? I haven’t and I’ve trained a fair few. That calm comes with experience and quality.”
