Egyptian authorities race to contain fallout from fatal telecom fire    Egypt's electricity, public enterprises ministers discuss expanding renewables in energy-intensive industries    Escalation in Gaza as ceasefire talks remain fragile amid mounting humanitarian crisis    UK, Egypt strengthen cooperation on green transition, eco-tourism, and environmental investments    Egypt's bourse, clearing house say settlement, connectivity unharmed by Ramsis blaze    CPME shareholders approve EGP 2.8bn acquisition of Qardy, Catalyst Partners Holding    Philippines' unemployment rate falls in May '25    Gold prices dip on stronger US Treasury yields    Egypt, Somalia leaders discuss strategic partnership, counterterrorism in New Alamein    Egypt, UNDP discuss expanded cooperation on medical waste management, human development    CIB finances Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show redevelopment with EGP 963m loan    Egypt's PM, Uruguay's president discuss Gaza, trade at BRICS summit    Egypt, Uruguay eager to expand trade across key sectors    Egypt, Norway hold informal talks ahead of global plastic treaty negotiations    Greco-Roman tombs with hieroglyphic inscriptions discovered in Aswan    Global tour for Korean 'K-Comics' launches in Cairo with 'Hellbound' exhibition    Egypt teams up with private sector to boost university rankings    Egypt reveals heritage e-training portal    Three ancient rock-cut tombs discovered in Aswan    Egypt condemns deadly terrorist attack in Niger        Egypt's EHA, Schneider Electric sign MoU on sustainable infrastructure    Sisi launches new support initiative for families of war, terrorism victims    Egypt expands e-ticketing to 110 heritage sites, adds self-service kiosks at Saqqara    Egypt's EDA joins high-level Africa-Europe medicines regulatory talks    Egypt's Irrigation Minister urges scientific cooperation to tackle water scarcity    Palm Hills Squash Open debuts with 48 international stars, $250,000 prize pool    Egypt's Democratic Generation Party Evaluates 84 Candidates Ahead of Parliamentary Vote    On Sport to broadcast Pan Arab Golf Championship for Juniors and Ladies in Egypt    Golf Festival in Cairo to mark Arab Golf Federation's 50th anniversary    Germany among EU's priciest labour markets – official data    Cabinet approves establishment of national medical tourism council to boost healthcare sector    Egypt's PM follows up on Julius Nyerere dam project in Tanzania    Egypt's FM inspects Julius Nyerere Dam project in Tanzania    Paris Olympic gold '24 medals hit record value    A minute of silence for Egyptian sports    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



Bonucci-Allegri rift threatens to destabilise Juventus
Published in Ahram Online on 23 - 02 - 2017

An ongoing rift between Massimiliano Allegri and Leonardo Bonucci has threatened to overshadow an excellent week for Juventus ahead of their Serie A return after Wednesday's Champions League victory over Porto.
It often appears as though nothing can stop this Juventus side, with the league leaders seven points clear after winning their last six and firmly on course for a record sixth straight Scudetto ahead of the visit of 17th-placed Empoli on Saturday.
However, tension between Allegri and defender Bonucci threatens to destabilise the reigning champions after the latter marred his 300th appearance for the club by engaging in an ugly touchline spat with the coach during the 4-1 victory over Palermo on Friday.
Bonucci was subsequently dropped from the matchday squad for the Porto game and after a very public dressing down, was forced to watch on from the executive box, conspicuously perched alone on a stool, in an Allegri power play that has the potential to disrupt the team.
"Bonucci is a professional and has to behave according to the rules," Juventus director Beppe Marotta told journalists ahead of the Porto match. "Disciplinary action will not change his ability, it's a decision made for the good of everyone.
"In football the 'we' is above the 'I' and we're disappointed for Bonucci."
Allegri looked to play down the spat on Wednesday. "During the season there are always going to be moments of tension, but we were able to ride it out," he told Mediaset Premium.
However, when asked whether the centre back would be reintegrated into the squad against Empoli, Allegri tersely replied that he had five defenders available, suggesting that Bonucci's punitive exile may be set to continue.
One player who has begun to integrate effectively into the side is Marko Pjaca, who broke the deadlock against Porto, finally delivering on his undoubted promise after a mixed start to life in Italy.
"I already saw from Saturday that the lad was changing attitude and he understood that some things are not enough in Italian football," said Allegri.
"He's changing his attitude and already has the technique, pace and talent, but he's young and we need patience with young players."
The emergence of Pjaca offers hope that Juventus can sustain their momentum but even as he continues to do things his way, Allegri must be aware that the continuing rift with Bonucci is an open wound that has the potential to destabilise his champions-elect.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)


Clic here to read the story from its source.