Juventus vs Fiorentina - Allegri urges Juventus to hit ground running

Posted Saturday, August 20, 2016 by PA

Massimiliano Allegri wants Juventus to make a strong start to the Serie A season but admits it will take time for his side to find their best form.

The Bianconeri, who have brought in Gonzalo Higuain, Miralem Pjanic, Dani Alves, Medhi Benatia and Mario Lemina during the summer, host bitter rivals Fiorentina on Saturday as they begin their quest for a sixth successive title.

Allegri's men started slowly last year, winning just one of their opening six league fixtures before recovering to record 26 victories from their final 27 games and finish nine points ahead of second-placed Napoli.

Speaking to Juventus' official website, Allegri said: "The fact we've brought in some great players doesn't mean we've won the title by default. To win the Scudetto you need to have earned it on the pitch, with the same applying for the Champions League. Let's take one step at a time.

"We've only been working together for 17 days, having reunited as a group on August 2, and so we'll require a bit of time before we're firing on all cylinders. This is why strong character is required at this particular stage of the season, because every game is difficult when you're starting out.

"Our main aim is to head into March still fighting on all three fronts - Serie A, Champions League and Coppa Italia. What we mustn't forget though is that every team begins on zero points, so getting off to the best possible start is fundamental."

The Viola game will be the first time in four seasons that the Turin club start without Paul Pogba. The influential France midfielder left for Manchester United in a world-record deal during pre-season, while Spain striker Alvaro Morata returned to Real Madrid.

Allegri has an almost fully-fit squad to choose from, although Pjanic, who arrived from rivals Roma, and left-back Patrice Evra face late fitness tests.

Fiorentina boss Paulo Sousa believes his players require no extra motivation to record a positive result at Juventus Stadium.

The Portuguese, who won the Champions League and Serie A with Juve during a two-year spell in the mid-90s, is quoted as saying on juventus.com: "We're taking on a team that has dominated the Serie A landscape in recent years, keeps improving and is now bidding to win the Champions League.

"Nevertheless, we want to play our part in a thrilling league season, knowing that Juventus are the leading act. We're looking to maintain an attractive brand of football this term, while being that bit more clinical in front of goal.

"We've a great group of lads, who are very united. The more experienced heads here are helping the new faces to bed in quickly. I'm happy to be able to train and to bring the best out of all of them.

"I've had no need to motivate the players this week, as everyone knows the importance of this match both for ourselves and the city of Florence as a whole. We're determined to do well and our only aim is that of winning."