Torino coach Ivan Juric says he’s eager to win his first Derby della Mole against Juventus on Saturday afternoon. The two sides meet at the Stadio Olimpico at 18:00 CET, knowing that a win would be a significant step forward in their respective ambitions for the season. Speaking with the press ahead of the game, Juric talked through the status of his squad and praised rival coach Max Allegri for his work with the Bianconeri:
“I saw the boys very well, they were disappointed after Empoli because they had put in a great performance. But I saw them well, they worked as always. Reviewing the first leg, set pieces were decisive, we need to be more attentive and more incisive in the final thirty meters.”
What does Torino need to do differently from the first leg to win?
“In the first leg, it was a balanced derby in the first half, which was then unlocked by corner kicks. Juventus, when they take the lead, drop back, then they have great speed and are dangerous. Lately, they have two attitudes: one more aggressive, one where they drop back. In the first case, we need to be faster to counterattack, in the second, more lucid to create chances.”
Will the wingers be decisive?
“On the right side of the field, they are very dangerous, they have players with pace and talent. On the left, they are more individualistic, but you have to be careful because Chiesa one-on-one is devastating, even Kostic is very dangerous. In my five derbies, we conceded nine goals, seven from set pieces. We have tried various solutions, and it always went wrong for us, let’s see now, but I want to maximize the players’ responsibility. On set pieces, the desire not to concede a goal counts a lot.”
Do you feel the weight of having won only one derby in recent years? How do you prepare for the game?
“The importance of a match is based on what it means to the fans. For the fans, it means a lot, so for us, it’s mega important, the players perceive it. The team is in a great moment in terms of the game plan. In Genoa, when I played, it happened that Genoa hadn’t won for years, then we won the first one, and from there it started. I hope we can do the same here.”
What do you think you can convey in the sixth derby?
“The first leg derby was in a bad general moment, at the lowest point of Torino. Now there is a different team, I also liked them a lot against Empoli. The only downside, if I analyze the work of these years, is the derby. Not winning even one in five is not nice. I want to win the sixth.”
Do you feel it’s an opportunity to dignify your work?
“The work done has been excellent, but not winning even one derby is not nice. It’s a special match, it’s a special moment. I’m eager to win, but the players also want to give a great joy to the fans and the club.”
If tomorrow goes well, who would you dedicate it to?
“There are many people who give you enthusiasm; I hope to make them happy.”
Will Ilic play tomorrow?
“Ilic will not start because he has only trained this week, but he is definitely called up. He’s fine, but he doesn’t have 90 minutes.”
Who will play alongside Zapata?
“Sanabria and Okereke are players who interpret the same role differently.”
This could be your last derby, can this aspect give you an extra boost?
“Even before, I had great drive; you can’t have more than that. The only downsides in previous derbies are related to set pieces.”
Can excessive drive have the opposite effect?
“It shouldn’t have the opposite effect. You have to play the derby with heart but also with your brain, execute what you have prepared, and not think about anything else.”
Any news from the infirmary?
“None, only Ilic returns.”
What do you think of Allegri?
“He’s a great coach. He adapts, he has achieved great results. He doesn’t have a definitive style, like Guardiola or Gasperini, he adapts to various situations, he’s more imaginative, even in life I see him like that. Unlike those who are a bit fixated, including me, he may have more imagination.”
