Juventus coach Max Allegri has given an update on the fitness of midfielder Manuel Locatelli for tomorrow’s Serie A match against Inter Milan.

Speaking in a press conference, as reported by FCInterNews, the Bianconeri coach explained that 25-year-old Italian international Locatelli’s fitness will come down to a last-minute decision.

Locatelli is still a doubt for Juventus ahead of the Derby d’Italia tomorrow.

The 25-year-old is still suffering pain from a fractured rib.

This injury was enough to rule him out of international duty over the break. Locatelli was not part of the Italy squad that scraped qualification for the Euros against North Macedonia and Italy.

The Azzurri managed to cope without Locatelli.

But for Juventus, it would be if anything even more difficult.

Locatelli has been an absolutely crucial player for the Bianconeri this season.

Juventus coach Max Allegri has deployed the former AC Milan and Sassuolo player as the regista at the base of the midfield trio.

Locatelli has been an important presence both in and out of possession.

Defensively, the 25-year-old’s physicality, height, and defensive instincts have provided an important screen in front of the back three. Locatelli has more than played his part in the Bianconeri’s recent run of clean sheets.

And in possession, Locatelli’s range of passing has been Juventus’s creative heartbeat.

Allegri Gives Manuel Locatelli Fitness Update Ahead Of Inter Clash

As far as injuries in his squad, Allegri said that “Alex Sandro is back. Danilo, I hope, can be back before we face Monza.”

“Locatelli has been back in training for three days,” he went on.

“Tomorrow I’ll evaluated and make a decision on whether to have him start on the bench or start the match,” the Juventus coach continued.

As far as whether Hans Nicolussi Caviglia could play in front of the defense if Locatelli is out of the starting eleven, Allegri replied “Maybe even Fabio Miretti.”

“I’ll have to make that decision tomorrow.”