Massimiliano Allegri highlights significance of Juventus' match against Genoa

Posted Sunday, April 23, 2017 by PA

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri believes a victory over Genoa on Sunday "could well decide the fate of the Scudetto".

Juve are currently eight points clear of Roma at the top of Serie A with six games remaining and Allegri is fully focused on the title battle following their impressive Champions League performance at Barcelona in midweek.

The Old Lady produced a superb defensive display to hold Barca to a goalless draw in the second leg and advance to a semi-final showdown with Monaco courtesy of a 3-0 aggregate win.

"Two key words - concentration and composure, and they apply to both Serie A and the Champions League semi-final," Allegri told the club's official website.

"Our attention is firmly on the former for now, there will be time to think about Monaco after Genoa and Atalanta. Tomorrow's game is so important; a win tomorrow could well decide the fate of the Scudetto."

He added: "We have to approach Genoa in the same way we approached Barcelona.

"We can't afford to let our intensity drop because I believe we have a chance to seal the title on Sunday. If we win, our advantage over Roma will remain the same with one game fewer for them to catch us up.

"From next weekend there are games every three days which is great for momentum, but we need to remember that we haven't achieved anything yet."

Juan Cuadrado will be assessed ahead of the game - Mario Lemina could feature if he misses out - while Claudio Marchisio is expected to play a part.

Genoa secured a 3-1 victory over Juve at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris last November - with Giovanni Simeone netting two - but they have picked up just one point from their last five games.