Born-again Alves answers critics

Veteran dispels any lingering doubts to keep Juventus on course for treble

TURIN, Italy - Dani Alves proved his critics wrong as he inspired Juventus to a 2-1 win over Monaco on Tuesday to send the Italian club to its second Champions League final in three years.

The 34-year-old was suspected by some of being past his best when he joined Juventus from Barcelona on a free transfer last June, while a three-month injury layoff from November stifled his new start in Turin.

However, he produced a man-of-the-match performance against Monaco, setting up Mario Mandzukic's 33rd-minute opener before scoring a sensational long-range volley on the stroke of halftime as Juventus swept to a 4-1 victory on aggregate.

"The most important thing is to help my team to win, whether scoring or providing assists," Alves said. "I don't score very often, so I'm happy, but in a way I prefer the assist to a goal, so everyone goes home happy."

Madrid giants Real and Atletico meet on Wednesday in the other semifinal, with defending champion Real leading 3-0 from the first leg.

But Alves, who spent eight years at Real's rival Barca, has no preference which side he meets in the final.

"Playing a final is enough motivation for me," the Brazilian said. "It doesn't change anything for me if it is against Real Madrid, it would be a great match in world football. But Real still has a match to play. It won't be Barcelona against Real Madrid, but Juventus against Real."

One man to whom Alves doesn't need to prove anything is Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri.

"Three months ago, some people wanted to strangle Dani," Allegri said. "But when a player is good, he's good in June, September and the following June.

"Alves is not someone we've discovered in the past three months. He's won 29 titles."

Kylian Mbappe scored a consolation goal in the 69th minute for Monaco, as Juventus remained on course for the treble.

Allegri's team is likely to secure an unprecedented sixth Serie A title on Sunday at Roma, while it is also in the Italian Cup final.

Two years ago, Juventus was in a similar position but lost the final 3-1 to Barcelona. This time, it could be Juve's year, especially after it eased past the Catalan team 3-0 in the quarterfinals.

Juventus will be attempting to end a 21-year wait for a European trophy.

"I don't need people to talk about my merits," said Allegri.

"I try to do my work serenely and with enthusiasm, but I'm not interested in the others saying that I'm the best. I really enjoy coaching, it helps me relax and when it starts to cause me stress, I will stop."

Allegri was greeted with suspicion by some fans when he was appointed in July 2014 to replace Antonio Conte, having been fired by AC Milan in his previous job.

But he won the doubters over by winning a league and cup double and leading Juve to the Champions League final in his first season in charge, then claiming another domestic double last term.

Now with a possible treble in the offing, Allegri is one of Europe's most wanted coaches. British media have suggested he could replace Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger in the Premier League, should the Gunners end the Frenchman's reign this summer.

"It's a path that started a long time ago," Allegri said.

"Everyone has grown: the club, the players, myself. I have to compliment everyone. From tomorrow we have to think about what we can do in these in 20 days.

"It's right to be enthusiastic, but we'll take it one step at a time. We have to improve certain things, because this squad is capable of more."

Monaco's young team has earned a lot of admirers this season and coach Leonardo Jardim's task will be to keep his players together, especially with many top clubs following Mbappe.

The 18-year-old striker wasn't even born when 39-year-old Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon made his Serie A debut in 1995.

"We leave here eliminated, but still with our heads held high," Mbappe said. "My goal against Buffon didn't help anything, it's pretty much just anecdotal."

As for Monaco's performances in this season's Champions League, Mbappe saw them as valuable experience.

"We don't have many regrets about this campaign," he said. "Mixing with the top teams is what's best for progression. Today we learned a lot, I learnt a lot and we'll try to come back next season better armed."

Ap - Reuters