Football
ESPN staff 9y

Allegri deserves Juventus Serie A title after spitting, eggs and kicks - Marotta

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta says that coach Massimiliano Allegri deserves his Serie A title triumph after being greeted with "spitting, eggs and kicks" upon his arrival at the Italian club.

Arturo Vidal struck in the 32nd minute to win 1-0 at Sampdoria and earn Juve their 31st title in Allegri's debut season in the dugout with the Bianconeri.

Marotta feels that the silverware is just reward for the club and Allegri after he replaced Antonio Conte last summer, telling Sky Sport Italia: "This Scudetto feels very important because it came with a change of coach that was somewhat traumatic for us.

"The first day with Allegri and the president [Andrea Agnelli] in the car, we were greeted at the training ground by spitting, eggs and kicks.

"It was a challenge to turn that attitude around, but we won the Scudetto together and also reached the semifinals of the Champions League.

"Allegri is the leader of the team and we know modern football is about motivation and getting the best out of both a group and individuals.

"Max imposed his discipline and tactical philosophy, taking the team to the Scudetto, Champions League semifinal and Coppa Italia Final. I don't think we could have expected any more."

Juve only needed a point at Sampdoria to clinch the title, and Marotta was pleased with his side's professionalism.

"I am glad we won the title with a win over a great team that was unbeaten on home turf until now," he added. "Many thought we would be complacent here, but we showed how much we wanted to win in style."

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