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Juventus, Allegri: ‘Mandzukic could play as defender’

Juventus, Allegri: ‘Mandzukic could play as defender’

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has praised Mario Mandzukic’s versatility as he prepares his side for their clash with Sporting Lisbon.
 
The Croatian international’s ability to play in roles other than his natural position has been a hugely important quality for the Bianconeri, although Allegri jokingly put a limit on how far it can go as he doesn’t have any immediate plans to play the 31-year-old between the posts.
 
“Mandzukic can play in any position, even as a centre-back or midfielder, but not a goalkeeper.”
 
Allegri took a more serious tone when discussing the upcoming game against Sporting, as he's fully aware that it’s crucial to their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage of the Champions League.
 
Juve remain in a strong position to qualify as they sit behind Barcelona in second place but three points ahead of their upcoming opponents, but a slip-up on Tuesday night could prove to be costly as it will keep the pressure on for the final two group games.
 
“I’m proud to be a part of a club with a winning DNA like that of Juventus. Tomorrow we need a positive result. A win would enable us to seal our passage to the last 16.”