Juventus vs Sassuolo preview - Allegri calls for concentration

b Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is stressing the need for his players to maintain their concentration as they look to close in on a fourth straight Italian title.

The Turin giants go into Monday's home game against Sassuolo holding a nine-point advantage over Roma at the top of the standings.

Juve held Roma to a 1-1 result at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday to take a step closer to defending the Scudetto.

However, with 13 games remaining, Allegri does not want any relaxation from his players.

He told the Italian press: "We took a step forward by taking a point at Roma.

"But there are many games left to play and the Serie A season is not over, despite what many people seem to say.

"Until the numbers say so, the Scudetto race remains open."

Juve head into the encounter having seen their 47-match unbeaten run at home come to an end on Thursday.

Allegri's men lost 2-1 to Fiorentina in their first leg semi-final of the Coppa Italia.

"Fiorentina deserved the win," Allegri said. "They played better than us.

"We lost this game but we can turn it around in the second leg (April 7).

"Now we must focus on returning to winning ways against Sassuolo."

Sassuolo have lost their last three league games, including a 3-0 home defeat to Lazio last weekend.

Eusebio Di Francesco's side last won on February 1 and lie 12th in the standings, nine points clear of the drop zone.

Sassuolo signed veteran defender Cesare Natali as a free agent on Wednesday with the Emilia-Romagna outfit in need of strengthening their backline after losing Luca Antei to a serious knee injury last week.

With defenders Emanuele Terranova and Paolo Cannavaro out injured, as well as Marcello Gazzola suspended, Natali could make his club debut against Juve

"I am ready to play," Natali said. "I was surprised to get the call from Sassuolo after not getting many offers following my departure from Bologna last summer.

"I hope I can give my contribution and help the club avoid the drop."