Allegri Denies Rift With Dybala

By Joshua Walters

Massimiliano Allegri has denied having a rift with Paulo Dybala, saying he has accepted the player's apology for his 'inappropriate attitude.'

The Italian media reported on Saturday there has been a spat between Allegri and Dybala during the day's training session.

Allegri, who has led the Azzuris to four consecutive Serie A titles, has confirmed that Dybala put up an attitude at training, but has duly apologised for it.

"He apologised, as it was right to do from a clever boy like him, to whom the club has given important responsibility – the number 10 jersey and the captain's armband when [Giorgio] Chiellini is not available," 

"He had an attitude that is not appropriate, he understood that. Case closed."

Allegri acknowledged the challenge posed to Dybala by Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival and how it has altered the make-up of the Juventus attack. 

"His position on the field has not changed, only the characteristics of those who play alongside him have," he said.

"The difference is that last year there was [Gonzalo] Higuain and [Mario] Mandzukic; this year there is Ronaldo and Mandzukic."

"He touches the same amount of balls, has the same opportunities. I do not tell him to be a full-back."

"Sometimes you try to find things that do not exist. I laugh when I read certain things but people like to fill their mouths. I listen and enjoy it.

"Tomorrow Dybala or [Federico] Bernardeschi will play. If Dybala plays, he could be the captain but I have to decide."