JUVENTUS, Giaccherini warns of tough test in Genova

© foto di Daniele Buffa/Image Sport

Emanuele Giaccherini has confirmed his desire to get back to domestic action as the Bianconeri look to extend their fine start to the season against Genoa this weekend.

The versatile winger, who completed a permanent move to Juventus in the summer after initially joining on a co-ownership deal from Cesena, started for the Azzurri in their opening World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria and clearly relished being back in Cesare Prandelli’s squad.

Speaking to Juventus Channel, Giaccherini began: “It was nice to be part of the group for those two games. Representing your country is always a point of pride.

“We also had the opportunity to go to the areas of Emilia affected by the earthquake, we’re happy that we could provide a nice moment to people who have suffered greatly.”

With seven important fixtures to contest in the space of a month, the 27-year-old appreciates the need to hit the ground running – starting with Sunday’s testing trip to the Luigi Ferraris.

“We’ve got a difficult game ahead of us at a tough venue. We’ll need to do well to play at our tempo, rediscovering the intensity that we’ve perhaps lacked in the first two championship games.

“But it’s perfectly normal, many of us were involved in the European Championships and we’ve only been back at work since the end of July.”

Emanuele was then asked how the squad is coping with the absence of Antonio Conte from the dugout.

“We haven’t got his charisma on the touchline, but he fires us up during the week. Carrera’s doing a fine job and gives us a great deal, but we hope that justice will be served and our manager can soon return to his rightful place.”

Conte is expected to rotate his side on a frequent basis as the season unfolds. And while Giaccherini confessed his desire to be involved in every encounter, he also understands the need to freshen up the starting eleven in order to cope with the rigours of modern football.

“If it was down to me, I’d play all of them! But football has changed, there’s greater intensity and the need for all of us to rest every now and again in order to avoid injuries,” he concluded.