MX23RW : Tuesday, October 2 20:15:03
Sep 29, 2018 at 5pm UK at ​Allianz Stadium (Torino)
Juventus
3-1
Napoli
Mandzukic (26', 49'), Bonucci (76')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Mertens (10')
Rui (58')

Result: Allegri ready for major challenge against Napoli

Serie A’s top two meet on Saturday.

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has demanded his Serie A champions raise their level of performance against Napoli at Allianz Stadium.

A battle between first and second sees Juventus defend the only perfect record left in the league after six rounds and Allegri knows the visitors, who are only three points behind, will offer stiff opposition.

“We will see the two teams facing each other that have fought for the title in the last few years,” he said.

“It will be a great challenge that will matter more for Napoli based on the current standings.

“We just have to think about playing in a big match, because the result alone won’t decide the season.

“So far we have been very good but against Napoli we have to be even better. From a mental aspect we will have to be calm as we know that it will be a physical match.

“In games like this it’s the fine details that count. Staying focused in the defensive phase and also making the most of the chances that occur, that will make all the difference.”

Moise Kean returns to the squad after missing the Bologna match in midweek due to an allergy problem and Allegri confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will start on Saturday.

Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti worked with Ronaldo when he was manager of Real Madrid but he insists the top-of-the-table clash should not be dominated by a duel between star names.

“There are no more secrets in football. Allegri is a great manager, a practical one. I am on very good terms with him,” he said.

“It’s going to be Juve vs Napoli not Ronaldo vs Lorenzo Insigne. Whoever plays better football will win.

“I am grateful to Ronaldo, regardless of the goals he scored to win the Champions League.

“I’m happy that he plays in Italy now, he is an added value to every team. I think he should win the Ballon d’Or all the time.”

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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Juventus77001651121
2Napoli75021310315
3SassuoloSassuolo74121512313
4Inter Milan7412105513
5Fiorentina7412145913
6Lazio7403109112
7Genoa64021111012
8Sampdoria7322114711
9Roma73221410411
10Parma731378-110
11Torino723267-19
12AC Milan623112939
13SPALSPAL730458-39
14Udinese72238808
15Bologna721448-47
16CagliariCagliari713349-56
17Atalanta BCAtalanta7133910-16
18Empoli712458-35
19FrosinoneFrosinone7016118-171
20AC Chievo VeronaChievo7025516-11-1

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