Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has hit out at coach Massimiliano Allegri's critics.

Marotta insists Allegri retains the full backing of the board.

“We're still in an open-ended phase, we know that we are going through a difficult time," he told Tuttomercatoweb.

“Allegri has understood that very well. The criticisms against him are excessive, let's' not forget that he came at a difficult time, taking over an important inheritance, and won the Scudetto, the Coppa Italia and reached the Champions League final.

“It'll be a very important match against Milan because there's two points between us and at this moment we must target maximum points in every match that we play.

“Of course, it could be an important test in terms of the performance that our team must deliver.

“This is a difficult year, the job of the club is to support him in the best way. We are doing that and we hope to come out from these difficulties.

“The internal debate is a good thing, I don't think only the youngsters are in the dock.

“Everyone must respond with a greater commitment. It doesn't mean this is a divided group. Buffon's considerations are all positive and sensible."