Alessio: 'Chelsea tactics helped'

Assistant manager Angelo Alessio hinted that Roberto Di Matteo’s tactical choices actually helped Juventus to beat Chelsea.

Fabio Quagliarella and Mirko Vucinic were chosen for tonight’s 3-0 victory in the Champions League.

“Antonio chooses the strikers based on form and the characteristics of the opposition,” said Conte’s assistant.

The opener saw Quagliarella toe-poke an Andrea Pirlo strike to surprise Petr Cech. It was a very similar move to the one against Lazio on Saturday which Federico Marchetti saved with an extraordinary leap.

“Deflections are not practiced. On Saturday Marchetti did well to deny it, but this time it was a little wider and he was able to score.

“We all wanted this type of game, keeping the tempo up, pressuring Chelsea and pinning them back. Of course we were bound to allow a few counters, but that was all.”

The final match is away to already-qualified Shakhtar Donetsk and a draw would suit both teams – it’d be enough for the Ukrainians to stay top and for Juve to secure second place.

“We realise how important the final game will be and we’re not qualified yet. We must play the same way we did today.”

Alessio was asked about Chelsea’s unusual tactical choices, in which they left Fernando Torres on the bench.

“This team is made to play at this tempo and unfortunately at times we allow some counter-attacks, but we wanted this victory at all costs.

“Shakhtar and Chelsea are two great teams and have champions with real technical quality. Tonight we faced a Chelsea side without a reference point in attack and perhaps that helped us tonight.

“I want to thank our marvellous fans who accepted Antonio’s invitation to create a cauldron in the stadium and we dedicate the win to them.”