Argentina’s World Cup victory has “galvanized” Angel Di Maria, which Massimiliano Allegri views as positive news for Juventus.
In his nation’s thrilling Sunday victory over France, Di Maria was a key player.
The winger converted the penalty for Lionel Messi’s opening goal, added a stunning second, and was then replaced with Argentina appearing to be in control.
After a 3-3 draw, France recovered to force a penalty shootout, but Messi and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez guided Lionel Scaloni’s team to a long-awaited victory.
After losing his spot in the starting lineup due to an injury in the group stage, Di Maria was back in the Argentina lineup for the Lusail Stadium championship game.
It has been a similar story for the 34-year-old at club level this season, joining Juve as a free agent but seeing only 246 minutes of Serie A action prior to Qatar 2022.
Bianconeri coach Allegri is optimistic now, however, with Di Maria joined in the Argentina squad by club-mate Leandro Paredes.
“For sure they are galvanised by this World Cup victory,” Allegri said on Thursday.
“And they are well physically, which is the most important thing, especially for Di Maria, who had some problems in the first part of the season anyway.”
Di Maria’s fitness has been far from Juve’s only problem, with Allegri’s men eliminated from the Champions League at the group stage and 10 points off the pace in Serie A.
But the coach said: “We need to prepare well and get back into the championship atmosphere straight away, because then from January 4 until June 5, we’re never going to stop.
“We need to be very good at trying to play 36 games, which would mean getting to the Europa League final and getting to the Coppa Italia final.”
