Andrea Pirlo has explained the one tactical decision that was key to Juventus claiming a 3-1 win against Serie A leaders AC Milan.
Pirlo hailed Juventus for showing the spirit of a team that wanted to be in ‘control’ in their 3-1 victory over AC Milan.
However, one of the major tweaks that helped the Bianconeri topple their opponents was keeping Theo Hernandez at Bay.
Pirlo deployed Federico Chiesa against Hernandez and the Milan star was not afforded much room to make his daunting runs through the flank as he has usually done on many occasions this season.
It proved to be an inspired tactical decision from the Juve boss as Chiesa proved to be the match-winner with a brace on the evening. Davide Calabria had scored the temporary equalizer but two second-half goals from the Bianconeri saw Milan suffer their first league defeat of the season.
“It was important for us, we weren’t interested in the results of the teams above us, as we were concentrated on our own progress. We’ll see in a few months where we are,” Pirlo told Sky Sport Italia.
“The important thing was this spirit of a team that wants to be in control, especially against the Serie A leaders on their own turf.”
“The tactical key was perhaps putting Chiesa up against Theo Hernandez.”
“The idea was to keep him under pressure and not allow him to keep pushing forward as freely as he usually does, especially when he had to deal with a player who was also good in one-on-one situations.”
“We signed him so he could take men on in the final third, his position might change, but his role does not.”
Dybala was handed a rare start and was the creator of both goals for Chiesa. Pirlo also commented on the player’s game time or lack of it so far this season.
“Everyone is first choice and not first choice. I am fortunate enough to be able to choose game by game based on our situation and the characteristics of our opponents,” he added.
“We just needed Dybala to get back his fitness levels, because he still not at 100 per cent now. He still has a few physical issues and hasn’t been at his best all season.”
The win saw Juventus move up to fourth place with a game in hand against Napoli.
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Andrea Pirlo
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
