Dybala couldn’t handle ‘new Messi’ tag says Allegri amid Inter talks
Cameron Smith
- 31 May 2022 16:39 BST
- 3 min read
Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri believes departing forward Paulo Dybala needs to forget comparisons to Lionel Messi and "re-discover his true self" as the Argentine prepares for a summer transfer.
Dybala, 28, joined Juventus from Palermo in 2015, but will leave the Old Lady this summer when his contract expires. The Argentina international burst into tears on his final home appearance for the club, which also happened to be Giorgio Chiellini's last home game before becoming a free agent aged 37.
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Interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Roma has followed news of Dybala's exit from Juventus, but he's reportedly in advanced talks with Inter as he prepares to cross the Derby d'Italia divide.
Although once considered one of Europe's most exciting players and a possible signing for Barcelona after netting 52 goals and 20 assists in his first three Serie A seasons at Juve, Dybala has slipped away from the spotlight in recent years.
After netting just four Serie A goals in the 2020/21 season, the Argentine bounced back this season with 15 goal contributions in 29 games, but Allegri still believes he's being held back by comparisons to Barcelona legend Messi.
Being from the same nation and with a similar style of play and preferred foot, Dybala was bound to receive the 'new Messi' tag, and he was touted as a long-term replacement for his countryman at Camp Nou.
What has Allgeri said?
That move never materialised, but Allegri thinks it's restricted Dybala in recent times. Allgeri, who has coached Dybala in more games than any other manager in his career with 221, said in an interview with DAZN: "I think he must re-discover his true self. There was a moment when he was dragged by the fact that he was considered the new Messi, but everyone must be himself.
"You can’t emulate the others. He has a lot to give to football, he has extraordinary technical qualities, he is so good, but he must focus on his physical and technical qualities."
Inter are looking to sign another star from one of their big rivals after adding Hakan Calhanoglu from Milan last summer. Lautaro Martinez has been linked with a move away, although the club have expressed their desire to keep hold of their star.
Ivan Perisic, however, has completed a free transfer to Tottenham Hotspur to link up with former Nerazzurri head coach Antonio Conte.
