Juventus coach Allegri praises gritty Coppa semi win against Lazio

Juventus coach Max Allegri was happy with their show of character in their Coppa Italia semifinal win against Lazio.

Fede Chiesa and Dusan Vlahovic struck for the 2-0 win just days after defeat to Lazio in Serie A.

“The decisions of the referee and VAR are to be respected, so there's no point debating it," Allegri told Mediaset when pushed on the offside call denying Juve an early penalty.

“The important thing was to get back to winning ways, even if the Coppa Italia is a different tournament to Serie A. The first half was very balanced, we accelerated in the second half, got two goals against a very strong Lazio side, but it's not over and we must do well in the second leg too.

“I told them to run towards the opposition goal… That's the truth, you know. When I say football is a simple sport, I really do believe that. I told them to run towards the opposition goal and we'd figure something out.

“We have to get this season sorted one brick at a time to achieve the objectives that we had set. This negative period was down to everyone, first and foremost me. There are moments in football, the lads did well to keep their balance and above all have the mental strength to play like this."

Juventus coach Allegri praises gritty Coppa semi win against Lazio

Juventus coach Allegri praises gritty Coppa semi win against Lazio

Juventus coach Allegri praises gritty Coppa semi win against Lazio

Juventus coach Allegri praises gritty Coppa semi win against Lazio

Juventus coach Allegri praises gritty Coppa semi win against Lazio