UEFA Champions League 2016/17: 5 reasons why Juventus will win the Champions League

Juventus Champions League 2016-17
Juventus beat Monaco 2-0 away in the first leg of the semi-final

#3 The tactical master-class of Massimiliano Allegri

TURIN, ITALY - APRIL 11:  Juventus FC coach Massimiliano Allegri shouts to his players during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final first leg match between Juventus and FC Barcelona at Juventus Stadium on April 11, 2017 in Turin, Italy.  (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)
Allegri has stepped into the shoes of Conte with admirable ease

Allegri took over from the exceptional Antonio Conte in the summer of 2014 and could have crumbled under the weight of expectations at the Turin-based side. However, he delivered in style with a double in his debut season in charge as Juventus romped home to their fourth league title while also grabbing the Coppa Italia.

They also suffered a crushing defeat to Barcelona in the finals of the 2014/15 Champions League, eventually having to settle being second best in Europe that season. The 2015/16 season saw Juve go one better with the trophy haul, bagging the league, Coppa as well as the Supercoppa Italiana.

They are well on course to complete a historic treble this season, with a nine-point cushion at the top of the league and a Coppa Italia finalist spot; a place in the CL final almost assured with the second leg more of a formality.

During the course of his stint at Juve, Allegri has masterminded his side going from strength to strength across the pitch. His transfers have been astute, to say the least; Higuain has provided the Old Lady with firepower, Pjanic provides comfort in midfield taking over from Andrea Pirlo and Dani Alves has been a revelation in the backline and on the wings.

The Italian coach has also provided ample evidence of his ability to adapt, by tweaking formations and rotating players. While a traditional back four was employed against Barca, Allegri resorted to a three-man defence against Monaco; this choked the French attack while his side stayed compact and found joy on the wings.

His reading of the game, opponents and their style of play has been spot on and the tactical changes have immensely benefited his charges. His stock has been rising highly (quite deservedly too) across Europe; a Champions league trophy can only propel it further up.

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