Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri wants to end another successful year on a high.
Juve, the reigning seven-time champions, end 2018 in top spot again, nine points clear of nearest rivals Napoli. On Saturday, they host Sampdoria in a match Allegri insists will not be a formality.
“It will be a very difficult match,” Allegri told reporters at his pre-match press conference.
“We have to get the three points so that we can end the year well and enter the break with piece of mind.
“Sampdoria have only lost once in their last seven games, and have taken a positive result in their last three away trips. It is not a game to be underestimated, we will need the support of the fans.
Allegri has also warned his side to be wary of Sampdoria’s in-form forward Fabio Quagliarella.
Focused: Massimiliano Allegri.
“Quagliarella is an amazing player and always scores extraordinary goals,” he added.
“There is pride and satisfaction for all that we have done (this year) and I’m happy with how it’s going. Looking ahead, we have to keep a low profile, keep quiet and just win the games, which is always the most important thing in football.”
Sampdoria’s recent good form has lifted them to fifth and coach Marco Giampaolo is looking for something special from his side.
“Juventus are, of course, strong in Italy, in Europe and even on the stock market,” he told the club website.
“We are going beyond expectations. You said we had a tarnished period, but if it had not been like that we would be second or third. It is simply normal that sometimes you lose. The abnormality is never losing.”
“It will not be enough to make a great match on non-possession, because Juventus creates the opportunities. You will have to be extraordinary on the ball.”