Inter Milan vs Juventus - Allegri warns of Inter test

Posted Saturday, September 17, 2016 by PA

Massimiliano Allegri believes his Juventus side must overcome one of the toughest tests of the Serie A season if they are to secure their sixth successive league title.

The league leaders make the trip to San Siro on Sunday evening to take on Inter Milan in a match dubbed 'the Derby d'Italia', with the visitors hoping to preserve their 100 per cent start to the domestic season.

Both teams were also disappointing in European action during midweek, with Inter losing 2-0 at home to Israeli side Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the Europa League while Juventus were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Sevilla in the Champions League, but the Old Lady boss is confident that both outfits will show improved performances.

He said at the club's press conference: "We know the Inter we face tomorrow is not the team who lost on Thursday and struggled to beat Pescara last week. They want to prove they are on the same level as Juventus.

"There are three or four games in a season that you feel can be decisive at the end of the day and this against a strong Inter side is one of them.

"Tomorrow is a fascinating game, the Derby d'Italia, it is the first stepping stone to the Scudetto. Some wonder it's only the fourth week, but I tell you it is the first stepping stone to the Scudetto."

The former AC Milan boss also confirmed he will make several changes to the team held by the reigning Europa League champions at the Juventus Stadium.

"There will be changes, we have a series of games in the space of three days, so yes I will need everyone," he said.

"Let's also remember that the bench is not an insult, it is a choice by the coach, and at the end of the season the winning team is the one with the strongest bench.

"If we win tomorrow, it's not as if we'll automatically win the next 50 in a row. It's three points. If we draw or lose, it changes little, this is just one stepping stone on a journey and we have our eyes on the finish line."

The hosts are currently 12th in the table and only gained their first win of the season last week at promoted Pescara following an opening-day loss to Chievo and draw with Palermo, with pressure already surrounding head coach Frank de Boer.

But the Dutchman, who has never lost to Allegri in three previous match-ups, feels his team do not fear Juventus and is confident that they can halt their perfect Serie A start.

He said: "Juventus are a very solid team, difficult to beat, but we proved last season in the Coppa Italia that we can beat them. I want to see that fighting spirit in the game tomorrow.

"We have to accept that we're going to play against a very good opponent, it's no surprise. I have a lot of respect for what they are doing at Juventus, but we are not afraid.