Allegri happy with Juve squad contribution

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri was pleased to be able to rotate his side and keep winning as they eased past Cesena 3-0.

The Serie A champions opted to rest Paul Pogba and Carlos Tevez for Cesena’s visit but it did not matter, with a brace from Arturo Vidal and a late Stephan Lichtsteiner strike helping Juve to victory.

Chilean midfielder Vidal tucked away a 17th-minute penalty and doubled the lead after 63 minutes with a fierce 20-yard strike before Lichtsteiner sealed the points late on with a composed finish.

It preserved Juve’s 100 per cent start and extended their sequence of consecutive home league victories to 21 and Allegri spoke of the importance of rotation while still being able to dominate.

He told Sky Sport Italia: “[Sebastian] Giovinco played 90 minutes very well, Vidal was not in great shape and still decisive, while [Angelo] Ogbonna and [Roberto] Pereyra continue to do well.

“It’s important to have 15-20 players in good shape during a long season, especially when our intensity level drops.

“Unfortunately we have some players with injuries and must try to get them back in shape by playing, but winning at the same time.

“It wasn’t easy, we controlled the ball well and didn’t allow Cesena many good opportunities and I was pleased to see the concentration levels stayed high.

“It was a positive night because we won, which was the most important thing.”

Italian forward Giovinco started in place of Tevez and forced opposition goalkeeper Nicola Leali into three smart saves.

And although the 27-year-old did not find the net, he was happy with his performance on what was his first start of the season.

“The goal didn’t come, but I’m satisfied with how the match went,” Giovinco told Juve’s official website.

“It would have been the perfect night, but I’ll save myself for next time.”