Massimiliano Allegri was bemused by the “drama” that followed his decision to deactivate his social media accounts and insists any constructive criticism of his work at Juventus is welcome.
The Juve head coach, who regularly shared his thoughts on matches via his Twitter and Instagram accounts, disappeared from the networking services in midweek, sparking fevered speculation in Italy.
It was reported the Tuscan had grown tired of receiving negative feedback from supporters – dissenting voices had increased in volume following a couple of underwhelming results in Serie A and the 2-0 Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid two weeks ago.
But Allegri insisted he shut down the accounts due to his own dwindling interest in the networks.
Speaking at a press conference before Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash with Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo, he said: “I’ve never been a huge follower of social networks. I did a regular thing and decided during dinner one night that I would close my accounts. I only posted once a week.
“Criticism is part of the game and I accept it when it’s constructive. I work with great passion and enthusiasm to try and set an example with my behaviour.”
Turning his focus to the match in Naples, where a Bianconeri victory will effectively end the title race in March as Juve would be 16 points clear, Allegri said: “It will be an important game in the race for the Scudetto. We’ll be playing on a big night for Italian football.
“It won’t be a tight game – it will be different from previous encounters.”
Full-backs Joao Cancelo and Mattia De Sciglio are injury doubts while Allegri will select either Rodrigo Bentancur or Emre Can to play in the middle alongside Miralem Pjanic and Blaise Matuidi.
Defenders Faouzi Ghoulam and Elseid Hysaj provide concerns for Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Azzurri striker Lorenzo Insigne told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “The gap in the league table is wide but we will try to win because this game is special.
“It’s always nice to score against Juventus, but the important thing is the performance.
“They have a big squad… just think that sometimes they have Cancelo, Douglas Costa and others stuck on their bench.”
