Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri hailed Mario Mandzukic for their 3-0 win over Palermo.

Mandzukic, plus late goals from Stefano Sturaro and Simone Zaza, sealed the victory.

For the second game in a row, Mandzukic was chosen to start instead of Alvaro Morata and opened the scoring.

Allegri said: “Morata is a first choice player, he just needs to improve his condition at the moment and be left free of pressure.

“Mandzukic won the Champions League, he played for Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid. He might not be the classiest player with the best technique, but he has characteristics that are useful for this team.

“He gave his contribution, the numbers speak for him. Obviously he prefers these crosses to the back post, but he works for the team and holds the ball up."