Juventus' Massimiliano Allegri believes Cristiano Ronaldo's ability to get into goalscoring positions and keep trying even when he misses is what separates him from other players. Juventus' Giorgio Chiellini feels team mate Cristiano Ronaldo helps the side to go beyond their limits and motivates everyone to better on and off the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo had his struggles against Serie A newcomers Frosinone, but Juventus' new superstar couldn't be denied in a dramatic victory.
Cristiano Ronaldo will not be given a rest by Juventus ahead of their top-of-the-table Serie A game against Napoli on Saturday, coach Massimiliano Allegri said.
Ronaldo scored his third goal in five league games on Sunday when he broke the deadlock in a 2-0 win over Frosinone.
He has played the full 90 minutes in all of Juve's games this season, apart from their Champions League win at Valencia in which he was sent off after half an hour, but Allegri said he is not in need of a break and will start against Bologna on Wednesday.
"It's still only the start of the season, he's not going to be available in the Champions League and he's in good shape anyway," Allegri said at a news conference on Tuesday. "He needs to be playing and scoring goals and that is why he will play tomorrow."
Serie A Watch on ESPN networks in the U.S.
ESPN has reached an exclusive, multi-year rights agreement in the United States for Italy's Serie A TIM, one of the world's top soccer leagues. The agreement will bring more than 340 matches per season to ESPN+ | Schedule
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Brian Phillips: For some reason, Cristiano Ronaldo has as many haters as fans. Do we have the new Juventus star all wrong?
Serie A Watch on ESPN networks in the U.S.
ESPN has reached an exclusive, multi-year rights agreement in the United States for Italy's Serie A TIM, one of the world's top soccer leagues. The agreement will bring more than 340 matches per season to ESPN+ | Schedule
LISTEN: The Serie Awesome Podcast
In the second episode of The Serie Awesome Podcast, Gab Marcotti, Mina Rzouki and Paolo Bandini discuss the latest happenings in Serie A. Plus, how long will Cristiano Ronaldo be out after his first Champions League red card?
Confessions of a failed Ronaldo fan
Brian Phillips: For some reason, Cristiano Ronaldo has as many haters as fans. Do we have the new Juventus star all wrong?
Paulo Dybala, who has partnered Ronaldo in Juve's past two Serie A games, will also play.
"I think he had a decent game at Frosinone," Allegri said. "He didn't score, but he had a few shots. He needs to be playing because that's how you get into a rhythm and into form."
Allegri also said goalkeeper Mattia Perin will make his debut as Wojciech Szczesny rests, and Rodrigo Bentancur and Andrea Barzagli could also start as Allegri rotates his side ahead of Napoli's visit on Saturday and the subsequent clash with Young Boys in the Champions League.
"As for the rest, Blaise Matuidi will come back in and I need to pick one between Miralem Pjanic and Emre Can," Allegri said. "[Giorgio] Chiellini will sit it out and there is a doubt over Alex Sandro, so if I rest him, [Joao] Cancelo will move over to the right -- that is, unless I play with [Federico] Bernardeschi."
Juve have won all six of their competitive fixtures this season and are already three points clear of Napoli at the top of Serie A.
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Source: espn.co.uk