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Massimiliano Allegri says Monaco will have nothing to lose at Juventus

Juventus' coach Massimiliano Allegri gestures during the Italian Serie A football match between Juventus and Inter Milan on February 5, 2017 at the Juventu
Image: Juventus' coach Massimiliano Allegri is wary of Monaco in the second leg

Massimiliano Allegri insists Monaco will come to Juventus with "nothing to lose" after his side's 2-0 win at the Stade Louis II on Wednesday.

Gonzalo Higuain's double gave Juventus victory in the Champions League semi-final first leg, putting them in a strong position ahead of Tuesday's return fixture.

But the Italian says the job is not done, and insists his side also had Gianluigi Buffon to thank for the victory, having now gone 621 minutes without conceding in the Champions league.

"The job is not complete. Monaco will come to Turin with nothing to lose," said Allegri. "This could become an extraordinary season for us.

"It's important to win because we are near Cardiff. Now I think only Monaco, not Real Madrid. We needed to play very well, we needed to have the right mentality.

MONACO - MAY 03:  Gonzalo Higuain of Juventus celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final first leg match between
Image: Gonzalo Higuain scored both goals at the Stade Louis II

"Once we took the lead, there were a few dangerous crosses when Dani Alves was late coming out, then Andrea Barzagli, but overall we should be happy. There is still the second leg to be played and that's another serious match.

"We must compliment the squad, because it was absolutely not easy. Monaco have a lot of technique. We made a few too many mistakes and Buffon made a great save when it was 0-0.

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"When the going gets tough, you know Gigi can be relied upon. He's the best in the world and when there is a big game, he's always ready."

Allegri still had complaints about his side's performance in Monaco, and says they must remain focused to turn this season into an extraordinary one.

Gonzalo Higuain celebrates his sublime opener against Monaco
Image: Higuain celebrates his sublime opener against Monaco

"I think we did very well at the start, then Monaco's quality players caused problems and we followed our man too many times, especially Mario Mandzukic, whereas we should've held our positions.

"We did better in the second half, except for when Dani Alves got a big caught up in his desire to push forward and left two against one for Barzagli.

"We could've played better technically, but we scored a goal on the counter, which is Monaco's greatest strength. They are a tough side to take on, they play with vertical lines and you need to either pass it forward or, if you can't manage that, pass it back to keep possession.

"The lads are having a great season, in order to make it extraordinary we need to be calm and focused."

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini added: "2-0 away is an important result. We're very happy but we can do better in defence and we can use the ball better."

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