Allegri expects Juve backlash

AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri is wary of a fired-up Juventus when the two sides meet in their Coppa Italia quarter-final.

Allegri’s side will travel to Turin for the last-eight clash against a Juventus side who slumped to a surprise 2-1 home defeat against Sampdoria in the Serie A on Sunday.

Juve still top the league by five points and will be intent on making amends at the earliest opportunity.

Allegri believes the loss the table-toppers suffered will make life more difficult for his team.

“We will be facing the strongest team in the league, as shown by the table,” Allegri said.

“It will be a very difficult match and very important for us to win, because the Coppa Italia is an important aim this season – both for us and for them. I think it will be a great match.

“Our aim is to secure the victory. Winning in Turin is not easy because Juventus do not lose many at home. We will have to prepare very well and do all we can to achieve the victory.

“Juventus will surely be angry and determined to win to make up for Sunday’s defeat against Sampdoria. This aspect will make the match even more difficult for us.”

Allegri also took time to praise the job Juventus head coach Antonio Conte has done at the club.

“He is doing an excellent job as he’s been proving since his arrival at Juventus a year and half ago,” he said.

“The results are with him and he deserves all the plaudits. He’s proving to be an excellent coach.”