Plusvalenza scandal: Juventus must maintain focus amid off-field turmoil, says manager Allegri

Juventus was third in Serie A with 37 points, 10 behind leader Napoli, but the points deduction pushed it down to 10th place, outside the qualifying spots for lucrative European competition.

Allegri added that all was not lost for Juventus, pointing to the fact it is still alive in this season’s European and domestic cup competitions. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri urged his team to “do their duty” on the pitch after the Serie A side was deducted 15 points by an Italian football court on Friday, leaving it marooned in mid-table.

The ruling, which deals a blow to the Turin club’s reputation, is tougher than the nine-point deduction a football prosecutor had requested during a hearing investigating Juve’s transfer dealings.

With 20 league games left to play this season, Juventus was third in Serie A with 37 points, 10 behind leader Napoli. The points deduction pushes it down to 10th place, outside the qualifying spots for lucrative European competition.

Juve said it would appeal to the country’s Sport Guarantee Board once the reasons for the ruling were published.

“After yesterday’s events we have to regroup and think only of matters on the pitch,” Allegri told reporters ahead of Sunday’s Serie A match at home to fifth-placed Atalanta.

“We don’t have to think about starting again. The legal proceedings concern the company and there will be an appeal. The standings say that at the moment we have 22 points and we have to try to earn results and make up positions.

“We must continue to do our duty because the sentence is in two months’ time and we must have no regrets when the verdict comes.”

Allegri added that all was not lost for Juventus, pointing to the fact it is still alive in this season’s European and domestic cup competitions.

“I have learned that all situations must be transformed into opportunities,” Allegri said.

“We have the Europa League, we have the Coppa Italia and we have 60 league points to play for.

“I’m convinced the players will do everything to get the most out of the situation. We face a challenge and maybe we will be able to do something extraordinary. In football anything is possible.”

Juventus faces French club Nantes in a two-legged Europa League playoff next month for a place in the last 16 and will meet Lazio in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals on February 2.

The court also imposed bans from holding office in Italian football on 11 past and present Juventus directors. These included 24 months for Andrea Agnelli, who was replaced this week as chairman after formally stepping down in November.

“In addition to the professional aspect, I am very sorry on a personal level for the disqualification of Andrea Agnelli...,” Allegri said.