Juventus coach Max Allegri has jumped to the defence of Gonzalo Higuain.

Higuain was criticised for his performance against Barcelona in the Champions League, and for his showing against Sassuolo on Sunday.

“As far as Gonzalo is concerned, he's played four games and scored two goals," Allegri declared.

“As with all strikers there are periods where he scores more goals and periods where he scores less.

“It happened even last year, I don't know if Higuain went three or four games without a goal last year but it went unnoticed.

“[Paulo] Dybala went so many games last year without a goal, but it's just part of the season. Gonzalo has to remain calm."