Juventus coach Allegri defends his players after Napoli defeat

Juventus coach Max Allegri defended his players after defeat to Napoli.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia put Napoli ahead before Fede Chiesa found an equaliser for Juve. Napoli's winner came from Giacomo Raspadori, who tapped in after Victor Osimhen saw his penalty blocked by Juve keeper Wojciech Szczesny.

“The lads played very well, we had good scoring opportunities and didn't take them. This is all part of the growth process, finding greater balance in the big games," Allegri told DAZN.

“We are in a good position, we have 11 matches remaining to achieve our objective.

“Without McKennie and Rabiot, Alcaraz did really well in his first real game. Miretti has 60-odd games under his belt already, so is more experienced.

“I don't think Napoli had many really clear-cut chances in front of Szczesny, whereas we did not make the most of our opportunities. We also got pig-headed trying to break through the centre rather than spreading it to wide areas.

“It is a regret that we leave empty-handed, but experience of playing at this level makes the difference. We should've been more wide awake in certain situations.

“It was one of the youngest Juventus starting XIs of all time, I think, and that means we are working well. Our objective is to help these young players to grow so that they will be ready next season.

“This is football, there are moments when things go your way and others where luck is not on your side. We have to work on the performances, regardless of the results, and the lads absolutely must not let their heads drop. We are on track for our objective."