(Reuters) – They should be effectively off the tempo within the Serie A title race, however an 11 match unbeaten run has no less than given Juventus some hope of reaching what beforehand appeared unthinkable, with a derby conflict the subsequent step on their quest.
After seventh-placed Juve slipped to a fifth loss from 14 league video games in opposition to Atalanta in late November, Serie A’s most profitable membership have been on the right track for one other disappointing marketing campaign, having completed fourth the earlier season.
Massimiliano Allegri’s return to coach the membership for the second time was not going to plan, however now the Old Lady are again within the prime 4, 9 factors behind leaders AC Milan, having not misplaced within the league in nearly three months.
The go to of metropolis neighbours Torino to the Juventus Stadium on Friday, who they’re unbeaten in opposition to within the final 15 derbies in all competitions, will characterize the proper alternative to keep the texture good issue across the rejuvenated membership going.
“The glass is half full,” Allegri advised a information convention on Thursday. “We should stay optimistic, however this does not imply we’re blissful. The draw in opposition to Atalanta (in final match) will probably be distinctive if we win tomorrow.
“The extraordinary factor about soccer is {that a} draw can look like a defeat, however each level counts on the finish of the season. I’d like to win each recreation, but it surely’s troublesome. You can win or lose the title for one level.”
Leaders Milan had a little bit of a wobble both aspect of the winter break, however two wins from their final two video games, together with one over champions Inter Milan, has put them again on monitor. They journey to backside aspect Salernitana on Saturday.
Back within the Champions League knockout levels for the primary time in a decade this season, Inter fluffed their traces in opposition to Liverpool of their last-16 first leg on Wednesday, shedding 2-0 at dwelling to the Premier League aspect.
They have solely gained certainly one of their final 4 in all competitions, as Simone Inzaghi’s males have relinquished their place on the prime of the Serie A desk.
Second-placed Inter do, nonetheless, have a recreation hand over Milan, with one level between the rivals. Inzaghi’s workforce host Sassuolo on Sunday.
Elsewhere, third-placed Napoli journey to Cagliari on Monday, whereas Atalanta in fifth face a visit to Fiorentina, who proceed to cope with life with out striker Dusan Vlahovic who joined Juve final month.
(Reporting by Peter Hall; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
