Allegri thrilled with ´mature´ Juve

Massimiliano Allegri praised Juventus’ maturity following Saturday’s win at Palermo, but felt his side should have done more after going 1-0 ahead.

Substitute Alvaro Morata lit up a lacklustre performance from the Serie A leaders at Stadio Renzo Barbera with a superb curling effort in the 70th minute.

That proved enough for champions Juve to stretch their lead over second-placed Roma, who do not play until Monday, to 14 points and head coach Allegri praised a job well done against a Palermo side who had not lost their previous 10 home games.

“It wasn’t an easy game,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia. “The boys showed a sign of maturity.

“We could have done better after going up 1-0, but it’s an achievement that we take another win on the way to the Scudetto.”

Juve now turn their focus to Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League last-16 second-leg tie at Borussia Dortmund.

Allegri’s men hold a 2-1 lead from the first encounter in Turin and he is sure his players are in the right frame of mind to progress to the quarter-finals.

“We know Borussia’s qualities, but it is also a game where we need to score at least one goal, probably two,” he added. 

“That means a lot of balance, being in the match and having a bit of luck too.

“We have the right enthusiasm to face this challenge, seeing as we are so far ahead in Serie A.”