Juventus midfielder Marchisio: Inter defeat has shaken us awake

Claudio Marchisio has stated that Juventus' 3-1 defeat to Inter has made them realise they cannot afford to lose focus if they are to be successful.

The Bianconeri's 49-match unbeaten run in Italy's top flight came to an abrupt halt on Saturday, but Juve returned to winning ways against FC Nordsjaelland in midweek, and Marchisio has stressed the defeat to the Nerazzurri has only served to spur them on.

"The loss against Inter has shaken us awake, and brought back a certain determination that was missing in the past few games," Marchisio was quoted as saying by Tuttosport.

"In the Champions League you could see the Juve of last season again, the same conviction and will to win. You'll have to ask whether we're back after the match against Pescara, though. If we lose that game, it clearly wasn't a wake-up call."

The midfielder then went on to praise promising youngster Paul Pogba, and believes the Frenchman has a bright future ahead of him.

"That he's being compared to Patrick Vieira means he's doing well, but it's important not to get carried away. His physical characteristics might resemble Vieira, and his technique is perhaps even better, but he has yet to achieve what Vieira achieved.

"He is a humble guy, though, and I think that he has a bright future ahead of him. He always wants to play and I keep on telling him that he will get his chances. He is very mature, too. Growing up abroad might be an advantage as there's less pressure."

Pogba, 19, has made eight official appearances for his new club so far this season, netting twice in the process.

Source: Goal

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