Allegri targets knockout phase

Juventus manager Massimilano Allegri says the club's first objective is to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages after making an inconsistent start to the campaign.

The Bianconeri kicked off the new Serie A season with two defeats and a draw to sit eight points behind table-toppers Internazionale after just three games.

Allegri's side, however, did manage to pick up a valuable 2-1 victory over Manchester City in their Champions League group opener last week, following that up with a 2-0 win over Genoa, and the Italian is pleased with his their response.

"Our first aim of this season is reaching the Champions League knockout stages," he is quoted as saying by Football Italia.

"We took our first step towards that in Manchester. In Genoa we didn't allow the hosts a shot on goal and fully deserved our triumph.

"Games against Genoa are always physical affairs. We did well to come away with a win from a tough venue."