Inter an ‘important test’ for Juventus: Allegri

Manager believes reigning champions are favourites to retain Serie A title

MILAN:

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri said Inter Milan are favourites for the Serie A title this season and described Sunday's clash between the teams as an "important test" for his improving side.

Inter won their first Scudetto in 11 years last season. They have started this term in impressive form, only losing their unbeaten start to the league campaign last weekend at Lazio.

"It will be a beautiful evening especially because there will be around 60,000 spectators," Allegri told a news conference on Saturday.

"There will be many expectations from everyone. It will be a good match between two important teams. Inter in my opinion are still the favourite to win the Scudetto. For us it is an important test against a strong team.

"Tomorrow is important but there are still many games, there is time to recover. We cannot think that in a match we will win or lose the championship."

Allegri has endured a difficult start to life back in Serie A this term having become Juve coach for the second time in the close season, but six wins in a row in all competitions has helped revitalise the Turin club's fortunes.

The Juve coach is relishing such a big clash after taking a break from management.

"Playing at San Siro, in an imposing stadium, will be an amazing experience again," he added.

"After two years it is exciting for me. I came back for this type of challenge. Tomorrow evening there is no need for me to tell the players that it is important, they know it too."

Allegri confirmed that Argentine forward Paulo Dybala should be fit to make his return from a month-long injury layoff.