Juve not in crisis, says Allegri

Massimiliano Allegri insists Juventus “are not in any kind of crisis” despite their rare home Serie A defeat at the hands of Lazio.

Juve face Sporting CP, who sit ahead of them on goal difference in Champions League Group D, in a crucial contest in Turin today.

The Italian champions go into the game after a shock 2-1 reverse to Lazio, a result which ended an astonishing 57-match unbeaten run in front of their own fans.

That result was preceded by an away draw against Atalanta, meaning Juve are already five points behind early Serie A leaders Napoli.

Allegri, though, remains calm, even though he has urged his side to improve their focus, starting against Sporting.

“We are not in any kind of crisis,” Allegri said at his pre-match media conference. “We are working towards being in a strong position on all fronts come the spring.

“Against Lazio, we were playing well, but paid for a couple of mistakes at the start of the second half.

“We are working to put right our mistakes. We need to improve our game management and concentration.

“We need to continue to move the ball around quickly and with clarity of mind, whatever happens in matches.”

With Barcelona three points clear at the top of Group D, Juve cannot afford a slip-up against Sporting.