Max Allegri lauds Juventus fighting spirit in draw against Sevilla

Max Allegri praised Juventus on ‘keeping calm’ under duress, despite a refereeing disagreement and grabbing a last-gasp level against Sevilla in the Europa League semi-final.

The Bianconeri were booed off the pitch by their fans at halftime, down 1-0 to a Youssef En-Nesyri counter-attack, with just Wojciech Szczesny keeping the score down.

However, late into stoppage time, Federico Gatti equalised with a header from close range after Paul Pogba had knocked down a corner.

“Up until the goal, my team had moved the ball well, but when we got up there, it all seemed too easy and we made far too many mistakes. On the counter-attack we were caught out because we didn’t track back and left gaps, also risking a second in similar circumstances,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia.

“The lads did well to fight back and get a deserved draw that leaves everything to play for in the second leg.”

Leonardo Bonucci was caught in a very offensive position when Juventus allowed the goal and was unable to recover in time.

“It should’ve been an easier pass to Kostic rather than Alex Sandro, then Bonucci was in a position where all he could do was a foul if he got near him to stop the move before it really started.”

The Juve gaffer was also full of praise for midfielder Paul Pogba who made an impact for the home team coming off the bench.

“When games are in the opposition half, he is in an extraordinary player. If he was in optimal condition, of course, I would have him in the starting XI every game. He gave a very important contribution this evening.”