Marotta praises Allegri impact as Juventus claim Serie A crown again

Nathan Williams 09:13 03/05/2015
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • From zero to hero: Massimiliano Allegri.

    Juventus wrapped up a fourth straight Serie A title last night thanks to a 1-0 win at Sampdoria. Arturo Vidal scored the only goal of the game after half an hour as the Bianconeri – who only needed a point to clinch their 31st Italian crown – did even more and took all three.

    With four games of the season remaining, Massimiliano Allegri’s men can no longer be caught, allowing them now to focus all of their attention on a Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid, the first leg of which takes place at the Juventus Stadium on Tuesday.

    Roberto Soriano sent an early shot over the crossbar and Pedro Obiang dragged his effort wide of the far post as Samp wanted to be more than just party-poopers – for them, a place in the Europa League next season is still up for grabs.

    Fernando Llorente, preferred over Alvaro Morata in the Juve attack, had the visitors’ first two chances of the game, first heading wide of the far post and then shooting over.

    Vidal then shot straight at Emiliano Viviano before the Chilean got it right from a deep Stephan Lichtsteiner cross to head Juve in front in the 32nd minute.

    Carlos Tevez could have made it two on the hour mark, but a fine save from Viviano forced Juve to put the champagne on ice for a little longer with Samp not giving up without a fight.

    Gonzalo Bergessio had their best opportunity to level, but his shot was deflected over and, with it, went Samp’s hopes of getting anything from the game.

    Director general Beppe Marotta hailed Allegri for the Scudetto, remembering “we were greeted by spitting, eggs and kicks”. The tactician stepped in for Antonio Conte when pre-season training had already begun, but fans rebelled with banners declaring ‘We don’t want Allegri’.

    “This Scudetto feels very important because it came with a change of coach that was somewhat traumatic for us,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia. “The first day with Allegri and the President in the car, we were greeted at the training ground by spitting, eggs and kicks.

    “It was a challenge to turn that attitude around, but we won the Scudetto together and also reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.

    “Allegri is the leader of the team and we know modern football is about motivation and getting the best out of both a group and individuals. Max imposed his discipline and tactical philosophy, taking the team to the Scudetto, Champions League semi-final and Coppa Italia Final. I don’t think we could’ve expected any more.”

    In addition to the Champions League semi-finals, Juve also play Lazio in the Italian Cup final.

    Recommended