Juve 3-3 Atalanta: The post match press conference was not about the result against Atalanta Bergamo (3-3), it was about the heavy punishment imposed on Juventus on Friday. The deduction of fifteen points due to financial irregularities had an impact on the players of the Old Lady.
Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny’s blunder in Atalanta’s opening goal could not be seen separately from developments outside the field. “We started slowly and the stadium was quiet,” coach Maximilliano Allegri looked back on the false start after the 3-3 draw. He understood, “We also have feelings, we are human beings too. Szczesny will never make such a mistake again. The tension was the cause of that mistake.”
Allegri praised his team for their performance against the ‘strong, physical’ Atalanta. He said, “We have to thank the players for what they have shown, because I realize it is psychologically hard when you drop from second, third to tenth. It feels like something is being taken away from you that you have achieved.”
Juventus manager Max Allegri’s hopes
A special comeback is needed for a place in the top four, and with it a Champions League ticket. “I don’t know if we can. I think you need 71 points for the Champions League. It’s going to be tough,” Allegri said. “We have Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Europa League. So we have to take it step by step. And we don’t know yet if there will be more punishments. It’s impossible to look too far into the future.”
Danilo provided a boost on Sunday by making it 3-3. “This match will be remembered forever,” said the Brazilian, who was at fault for Atalanta’s 2-2. He stepped off the field with tears in his eyes. Our goal does not change. He added, “We have to win as many games as possible for ourselves, the club and our fans. After that we’ll see where it ends.”
Juventus had to swallow a bitter pill on Friday evening after it was announced that the Old Lady was deducted fifteen points. However, the Turin Tuttosport unpacked the Juventus situation: ‘Juventus will never go down’.
