Juventus will be braced for a hostile reception when they travel to Fiorentina on the final day of the Serie A season as the home side looks to seal a European spot, manager Massimiliano Allegri said on Friday.
With fourth spot and a place in the Champions League next season secured, Juventus have nothing to play for but seventh-placed Fiorentina can still move up to a Europa League qualifying spot if they win and other results go their way.
Juve have beaten Fiorentina three times already this season — once in the league and twice in the Coppa Italia — without conceding.
“I expect an open game with many goals against a side that is challenging to get into Europe. Usually in the end of the season there are these matches,” Allegri said ahead of Saturday’s game.
“It’s going to be a fiery atmosphere and we need to enjoy it.”
The rivalry between the two clubs intensified in January when Juve signed Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic in a deal worth up to a maximum of 80 million euros ($84.36 million).
The 22-year-old Serb has scored 29 goals in all competitions this season and was at the time of his switch the league’s joint-top scorer.
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Allegri said Danilo, Federico Chiesa and Mattia De Sciglio would not make the trip while Weston McKennie could make his first appearance since February after recovering from an injury.
The manager also confirmed long-serving defender Giorgio Chiellini, who played his last home match over the weekend, will finish his 18-year career with Juve by playing a part in Florence.
“Chiellini leaves behind a huge legacy… he will be playing tomorrow,” Allegri said. “The lessons he taught the players will remain going forward.”