Allegri wants fan backing ahead of Juve home debut

MILAN - Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has called for fans' backing as he prepares for the Serie A champions' first home game of the season, against Udinese, on Saturday.

Juventus surprised many fans by choosing Allegri, sacked by struggling AC Milan halfway through last season, to succeed Antonio Conte after the latter's decision to accept the Italy manager's job.

Conte steered Juve to three successive league titles, meaning this season Allegri -- who endured three mercurial seasons with Milan before being replaced by Clarence Seedorf in January -- has a lot to live up to.

The 47-year-old Tuscan told reporters: "It will be a special night tomorrow, I've only been to Juventus Stadium as part of a visiting team so it will be a completely different experience for me as Juventus manager.

"As always, we need the fans to give us their backing. The atmosphere at Juventus Stadium can give us a huge boost in that respect."

Unpredictable Udinese often punch above their weight, especially at their Friuli Stadium. But with former Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni now at the helm, Allegri is taking nothing for granted when the northeners visit the Old Lady of Turin.

"They're always a tough side. It won't be an easy game by any stretch of the imagination," added Allegri.

Juve newcomers Patrice Evra and Roberto Pereyra are both expected to play, added Allegri, although Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal (thigh) and Andrea Pirlo, who is still on the recovery table, will be missing.

"Vidal played constantly last season, underwent a meniscus operation and then played in the World Cup 30 days later," explained Allegri.

"He returned from international duty with a strain so we've left him out as a precaution."

A win for Juve coupled with a Roma defeat at Empoli would see the champions go top provisionally, three days ahead of hosting Swedes Malmo in their Champions League Group A opener.