Juve game more mental than physical says Allegri

01 October 2011 15:05

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes Sunday's crunch Serie A clash against Juventus will be more of a mental battle than a physical one.

Juve lead the early scudetto table on goals scored while Milan are in the bottom half but the two sides are separated by only three points.

And while Milan played in the Champions League in midweek, beating Viktoria Plzen 2-0, Juve have had the last seven days off.

But Allegri doesn't believe that should put his players at a physical disadvantage.

"We're fine, we're playing every three days but we're always the same," he said.

"We won't be brilliant we're we're fine. Tomorrow's (Sunday's) is a game which will be played on a mental level more than a physical one.

"And then we can rest during the international break."

Allegri admitted he is wary about the influence former Milan star Andrea Pirlo will have on the game.

The Italy midfielder has had an excellent start to the season and is already a fans' favourite in Turin.

"He's playing in a team that appreciates his quality, with players like that if you let them play they make life easier for you," said Allegri.

"We have to try to limit their opportunities, both his and those in the attacking zone.

"We have to try to waste fewer chances than we have done up until now, we need to play well from every point of view.

"It will be a very physically demanding game but the season is long and nothing will be decided tomorrow."

Although Juventus are top, Allegri believes they will improve throughout the season when their new coach and new players start to gel.

"They have a new team, many new players and they're doing very well, they can certainly improve.

"We've been together for a year and we did well last season. We started well this year winning the Supercup.

"We've had a lot of injuries but slowly but surely they're coming back.

"This is our last game with these injured players because probably after the international break they will all be back.

"That's a good sign because it means our season will start six games into the season.

"It won't be easy, we're playing an excellent team who will fight for the title in their new stadium.

"We will have to be ready for the atmosphere, because as well as having personal motivation they will also be pushed on by the crowd, it's a very important game."

Source: AFP