Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo is set to give talisman Cristiano Ronaldo rest because he is tired.
The Juve boss made the revelation during an interview with Juventus TV ahead of their meeting at the Ciro Vigorito in Serie A against a promoted side, Benevento. The former Italian international said he could also make changes at the back against Fillipo Inzaghi’s men.
The alteration in his defence will give Alex Sandro a breather too.
“It won’t be the same [defence] because Alex Sandro has been out for two months. He is still a bit tired, but he will come with us to Benevento.”
Ronaldo has so far scored eight Serie A goals in five games. He made an instant impact on his return to the pitch against Spezia after recovering from COVID-19.
The Portuguese also scored for the Bianconerri during their Champions League clash against Ferencvaros which the Old Lady came to win from behind 2-1 to qualify for the next stage of the tournament.
Who will be available as Pirlo set to rest Ronaldo?
“We are lucky that [Leonardo] Bonucci is back and trained with the group, while Cristiano is resting because he was a bit tired after so many games and we didn’t plan to bring him to Benevento,” Pirlo told Juventus TV.
With the availability of Aaron Ramsey, he could also make some changes in the middle of the park. The Welshman returned from a muscle injury in the Champions League this week and played the last seven minutes of the 2-1 win over Ferencvaros.
“I see him as an attacking midfielder, he has surprised me,” Pirlo said about the former Arsenal midfielder.
“He’s an intelligent player who is always positioned well in all situations. I see him there because he’s very good at finding the spaces to play in.” he added.
Inzaghi is crazy about football
The Juventus coach has said that Benevento coach, Fillipo Inzaghi, who is his former teammate is ‘crazy about football’.
While noting that it will be a difficult match, Pirlo said Benevento is a tough team, but his team is prepared.
“Inzaghi immediately questioned himself. He left Milan to restart in Serie C. He’s crazy about football, he will certainly arrive.
“Many matches will be tight this year, also because the players are struggling to recover given the short time between one match and the other.”
Inzaghi not suprised to see Pirlo coaching Juventus
Meanwhile, his Benevento counterpart, Filippo Inzaghi says he’s ‘not surprised’ to his former teammate coaching Juventus.
Inzaghi’s Benevento hosts Juventus in Serie A today. This will be the first meeting between the two ex-Milan and former Italy internationals teammates as coaches in the top flight.
𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒎𝒐𝒄𝒊 𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒓𝒊 𝒕𝒓𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊 💪
— JuventusFC (@juventusfc) November 28, 2020
🇮🇹 @SerieA
🆚 @bncalcio
🏟 Ciro Vigorito
⏰ 18:00
📲 #BeneventoJuve pic.twitter.com/mmpJaN9vlK
While describing the world cup winner as a champion, he said they still have a great relationship, having done great things together at Milan.
Pirlo, who replaced Maurizio Sarri ahead of the new season is currently unbeaten in Serie A as a coach.
“I’m not surprised he has this job. We are talking about a champion who, as a player, has won everything.
“There has always been a great relationship between us, as we arrived at Milan together. I remember we had the same agent, Tullio Tinti, who offered him to the Rossoneri the day I signed.
“He didn’t find space at Inter and we eventually did great things at Milan together.”
