Allegri: 'Dybala must keep it simple'

By Football Italia staff

Max Allegri liked the new Paulo Dybala role to beat Genoa in the Coppa Italia Round of 16, but told Juventus off for giving the ball away.

Dybala was used as a centre-forward in the 4-3-3 formation, having been dropped for the last two Serie A games, and he contributed a goal and assist.

“We have to compliment the lads for their performance. We pressed hard and showed good intensity. In the second half, we waited for Genoa to move a little more and we finished off the game.

“it was an objective to reach the quarter-finals and the team achieved that in the best way,” Allegri told Rai Sport after a 2-0 result, which sets up a quarter-final against local rivals Torino on January 3.

“Dybala put in a good performance, as did the whole team. We all want Dybala to get back to being Dybala, as he’s an extraordinary player. He needed a good performance, but above all a goal, as it can help him find some calm and confidence, but it’s not as if he ever truly lost his way.

“Dybala just has to focus on doing the simple things. He doesn’t need to prove himself in every single game, as that only increases the pressure. He should play as he did tonight.

“I was satisfied with the overall performance, as we covered the pitch well and allowed Genoa nothing. Obviously, when Dybala is the centre-forward, then the box must be filled with runs from the wingers and midfielders. It’s something we can test out, but in order for it to work, we need the wide men to constantly push forward.”

The Bianconeri risked conceding late on, as Andrej Galabinov had a couple of great chances and Genoa were initially awarded a penalty for Kwadwo Asamoah’s challenge on Pietro Pellegri, but the referee changed his mind after viewing the incident on VAR.

“I was angry because we gave the ball away three or four times coming out of defence and with this one it was in the penalty area. If in doubt, kick it away. I wasn’t angry with the referee, but rather with my players for creating that situation.”

Juventus are in the Coppa Italia quarter-final for the 11th year running, but first turn their focus towards Saturday’s Serie A showdown with Roma.

“We’ve got two days to prepare for Roma, we’ll see how the players who are carrying injuries are doing. It’s a head-to-head clash and Roma still have a game in hand, so they could potentially be right up there with us.”

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