Matri: I'll celebrate if I score against Juventus

Posted Saturday, October 05, 2013 by Goal.com

The striker reveals that he has had messages of support from his former team-mates during his current goal drought and insists that AC Milan are capable of winning Serie A

Alessandro Matri has vowed to celebrate if he scores for AC Milan against former club Juventus on Sunday.

The 29-year-old moved to San Siro from the Serie A champions during the summer and will come face-to-face with his former employers for the first time in Turin.

The Italian has failed to find the net in his seven appearances for the Rossoneri and has even had messages of support from his former Juve team-mates, yet insists that he will not hold back on his emotions if he ends his goal drought on Sunday.

"I think so, I don't see it as a lack of respect," he told Gazzetta dello Sport when asked if he would celebrate. "For me, scoring means you celebrate. I did it against Cagliari, [so] I don't see why I shouldn't.

"[Juventus players] text me to cheer me up because I can't get a goal but the punchline was always the same: 'Wait a little while - don't do it against us.' I left a wonderful group in Turin and I'll be happy to see everyone."

Milan currently sit eight points behind the reigning champions after just six games but Matri believes that there is no reason why his side cannot fight for the Serie A title this season.

"Winning against a direct competitor could give us confidence, a morale boost. First I think about the top three, then the Scudetto. Why shouldn't I? The championship is long," he continued.

"Milan have changed a lot, had a lot of injuries. That shouldn't be an excuse but assembling a team takes time. Playing every three days doesn't help."

Finally, Matri revealed the differences between Juve boss Antonio Conte and Milan's Massimiliano Allegri, claiming that his current coach tends to use a more personal approach with his players.

"Conte is more obsessive tactically, he is a great motivator," he observed. "Allegri has more of a relationship with players, looking for more dialogue."