Juventus are 'growing up', Allegri says provocatively

Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri is optimistic about his team's prospects, despite a difficult start to the season.

Juve have won just two of their eight games in all competitions so far (D4, L2) and were beaten 2-1 at home by Benfica on Wednesday in the Champions League.

It was the first time the Bianconeri had lost their opening two games in the group stage, having lost by the same scoreline at Paris Saint-Germain a week earlier.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of their Serie A clash at Monza, Allegri said he thought his side were playing well and just needed 'more attention to detail'.

"We don't just have to look at the results," he said. “I think the team is growing. We also had a good physical reaction with Benfica, but we have to pay more attention to the details.

“You have to focus on the next games and through performance, get the result. Then there will be a break and with confidence we have to prepare for the Champions League challenge."

Allegri has been without a number of players through injury, but is sure his team behind the scenes are working hard to minimize the impact of a turbulent season.

"The number of injuries is similar to last year, 10 against 11, but playing a lot more games," he said. "Then we had more problems on the flexors, this year on the adductors... but there is no doubt that the staff inside Continassa [the club's academy] are working well."

Juve travel to Monza on Sunday, who are at the bottom of the table, and Allegri will still be without several players.

“Alex Sandro, [Adrien] Rabiot, [Manuel] Locatelli will not be called up,” he said. "[Wojciech] Szczesny will be available but [Mattia] Perin will play.

"[Angel] Di Maria is going to start, and I will have to decide who to play in defense."