<
>

Allegri sees bright future with Juventus youngsters after Cagliari win

Massimiliano Allegri was full of praise for his young players after they helped Juventus to a 4-0 rout of Cagliari on Wednesday night.

The reigning champions got off to a flying start and were three goals to the good at half-time, courtesy of goals from Daniele Rugani, Gonzalo Higuain and Daniel Alves. An own goal from Luca Ceppitelli six minutes from time sweetened the deal.

Rugani, 22, was making his first start of the season and Allegri also brought on 21-year-old Croatian attacker Marko Pjaca and 23-year-old Mario Lemina in the second period.

"We were very good immediately, giving intensity to the game," Allegri told Premium Sports.

"[Paulo] Dybala scored 19 goals last season and he played very well tonight.

"The kids did very well. After 2-0, we could slow down. We must also learn to manage the development of the game."

The win saw Juventus move to the top of the Serie A standings, and Allegri is keen for his players to keep their focus for the next game against Palermo on Saturday, before a tricky Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb next week.

"We must remain calm and make Saturday and Tuesday our aims," he added. "The important thing was to win again and get back to the top."

As for his star striker Higuain, who scored his fourth goal in five games for the Turin giants, Allegri hinted at the possibility of a three-man attack featuring the ex-Napoli man alongside Dybala and Mario Mandzukic.

"Last year, Mandzukic was crucial and this year it will be the same. He can also play with Higuain," Allegri said.

"[A three-man attack] may happen in the league or in the Champions League. We just need to find the right balance."