Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri demands defensive rigour

Juventus manage Massimiliano Allegri

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Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri admits his side will have defend to the best of their abilities if they are to beat Barcelona in the Champions League final next month.

Allegri has already guided Juve to a league and cup double this season, securing the Coppa Italia with a 2-1 victory over Lazio on Wednesday.

His side now turn their attentions to theChampions League final final in Berlin next month, having shocked Real Madrid in the semi-finals to set up a showdown against Luis Enrique’s La Liga champions.

Juve are underdogs for the game but have an extra week to prepare, with Barcelona facing a Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao next weekend.

Allegri insists his side have the ability to beat Barcelona and possess a winning mentality after securing their first double since 1995.

“We’ve won the league and Cup so we’ll be going to the [Champions League] final in the right frame of mind, although you only win games out on the pitch, never before,” he said.

“When [Lionel] Messi takes the ball he’s always unpredictable,” added Allegri. “Playing Barcelona is always difficult, we have to be really good because their ball-passing is deadly.

“Defensively, we need to play flawlessly.”

Juventus are 5.50 to win the Champions League final, while Barcelona are 1.60 and a draw is priced at 3.80.

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