Juventus

Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri explained he had to come up with a new system so he could rest Cristiano Ronaldo against Brescia on Sunday, while the returning Giorgio Chiellini all but forced Sarri to let him come on as a substitute in his return from injury.

Sarri opted to rest Ronaldo in the 2-0 win over Brescia despite the team's struggles of late. The move paid off, but the coach told Sky Italia (h/t Football Italia) it required a formation change to accommodate both Aaron Ramsey and Paulo Dybala:

"We decided to let Ronaldo rest today, as he cannot play every single game, so we came up with this system for this game. At this moment, we are playing more with a trident than a trequartista. That’s because Ramsey has made it clear he prefers to play in midfield rather than as a trequartista. Dybala prefers to be more advanced.

"I thought Ramsey was improving over the last couple of games, he’s much better in the movements and doing well in defence too. It’s clear throughout history that English players struggle to settle into Italian football, as we are far more tactical and not quite as free as they are in the Premier League, but I believe he’s over the hump and on his way towards making a real difference."

Dybala got the opener in the win, and Juan Cuadrado doubled the lead in the second half. Juventus had enough chances to score at least five or six goals against a Brescia team that played the bulk of the match with 10 men:

Ronaldo had scored in 10 straight Serie A matches, but despite his great form Juventus had just one win in their last four games across all competitions. That made resting him on Sunday a major risk.

Per Italian football writer Carlo Garganese, it took the Bianconeri some time to figure out the best system to deal with Brescia:

Juventus started game 433 with Dybala left & Cuadrado right. After 10 mins they switched sides as Dybala struggled. Midhalf Juve went 442 with Dybala & Higuain in attack and Cuadrado pushing on from RM. Been better since. Still not convinced Dybala in a 433 can work #JUVBRE

— Carlo Garganese (@carlogarganese) February 16, 2020

With matches against Lyon, Inter and AC Milan on the horizon, Sarri has one more opportunity to rest his stars and figure out his best formation at the same time. The next match will be against SPAL on Saturday, before the trip to France on February 26.

The Bianconeri received a major boost with the return of Chiellini, who played his first minutes since tearing his ACL in the Serie A opener in August against Parma.

The 35-year-old received a warm welcome from the home fans:

https://twitter.com/AroundTurin/status/1229068065486376960

According to Sarri, Chiellini had been trying to talk the coach into letting him play since Saturday, and he didn't leave him much of a choice during the match: "To be honest, Chiellini substituted himself! I turned around and he was there in my face with his jersey on asking: 'Mister, how long?' He’s been going on about it since yesterday, wanting the last 10 minutes, so I couldn’t resist!"

Chiellini appeared to make it through his cameo unscathed, but Miralem Pjanic had to be substituted just minutes after he came on, adding another injury concern for Sarri.

Mino Raiola has confirmed he's had talks with Juventus about Paul Pogba and said "other clubs" are also interested in the Manchester United superstar.

Pogba's agent told Tuttosport (h/t Goal's Chris Burton) the France international wants to "stay at the highest level," and he's spoken to Juve vice-chairman Pavel Nedved about the World Cup winner. Raiola added he's looking into the summer options for his client:

"He never lost his smile, but clearly a great player doesn't go to Manchester United only to not challenge for the Champions League or the Premier League title.

"It would be wrong for me not to admit Paul wants to stay at the highest level.

"Pogba will first and foremost try to give his best and then we'll see at the end of the season if he ought to remain or not.

"I talk to Pavel Nedved and Juventus about many things, including about Pogba and other players, as is only right for a big club.

"You need to get information, see what's happening, put down a few hypotheses, dream a little."

Raiola added other teams are considering the player. However, the agent reinforced Pogba remains focused on United's objectives:

"Along with Juventus, there are other clubs in for Paul, but right now he is with Manchester United.

"There's nothing impossible in the transfer market, that has already been proved by Juve, PSG, Real Madrid. The achievement of impossible things is part of this business."

Raiola's latest comments come soon after the agent revealed Pogba could be tempted back to Juve after a disappointing spell at Old Trafford, per Fabrizio Romano:

Raiola: “Pogba to Juventus? Italy is like home for Paul. He’d like to come back to Juventus but we’ll see what will happen after the Euros. Pogba wants to play at the best level but he can’t escape by Man United if they’re in a difficult situation...” 🛑 #MUFC #Juve #Pogba

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 14, 2020

The midfielder has spent most of the season battling injury, and his lack of fitness has seen him start only five Premier League games.

An on-going issue with an ankle problem resulted in surgery, and the player has continued rehabilitating in Dubai.

Sky Sports' Saturday Social discussed Pogba's potential market value if United opt to sell:

£200m for Paul Pogba? 👀

Big shout from @harrypinero on #SaturdaySocial. pic.twitter.com/GoOZM5JGjB

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 15, 2020

The likelihood of Pogba's pending departure threatens to overshadow the final months of United's campaign. The Red Devils travel to Chelsea on Monday knowing defeat will leave them nine points behind fourth.

As Pogba continues to recover from injury, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side must remain ruthless in their pursuit of UEFA Champions League qualification.

A deep injury crisis has affected results, and United have failed to gain consistency after being forced to rotate their options.

However, Pogba is expected to be available in the near future, and the midfielder could trigger a surge in form when he's back on the pitch.

Bruno Fernandes' capture will boost United's creative options, and if the Red Devils finish the season on a high, they will have a chance to convince Pogba his future lies in Manchester.

Solskjaer's own future relies on results in the coming weeks. The availability of former Tottenham Hotspur coach Mauricio Pochettino will likely be a consideration for the United board if they don't witness progress from their team before the end of the campaign.

Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri believes the development of his team has "stalled" in recent weeks. 

Following their shock 2-1 loss to Hellas Verona in Serie A on Saturday, the Bianconeri played AC Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-final on Thursday. They needed a stoppage-time penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo to earn a 1-1 draw.

After the contest, Sarri was asked about the struggles being endured by the team and conceded they hadn't been at their best, per Rai Sport (h/t Football Italia):

"I am not worried, as the only real worries in life are your health. It seems a normal phase to be going through; it's unthinkable for a team to be a continual ascent. This is a sport, so much depends on the physical and psychological conditions of so many players.

"Our growth has stalled a little in the last three weeks, we concede avoidable goals. Having said that, we've conceded only two more than the best defence in Serie A, so it's not that much of an issue."

Milan took the lead in the first leg of the clash through Ante Rebic, although 10 minutes later they were reduced to 10 men at the San Siro when Theo Hernandez was given his marching orders.

When the Rossoneri had seemingly withstood all Juventus had to throw at them late on, the visitors were awarded a contentious penalty following a VAR review, and Ronaldo was able to convert.

Here is the controversial late decision and the subsequent strike from the Portuguese:

Ronaldo scores for the 11th game in a row!

A contentious penalty for Juventus and CR7 punishes Milan in full.

A lifeline for Juve in stoppage time! pic.twitter.com/pqO7X174zF

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 13, 2020

The penalty kept up Ronaldo's excellent record in front of goal in the 2019-20 season:

35-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 35 goals in 35 games for club and country this season. Mind blowing 🤯 pic.twitter.com/OplZ0bpUZe

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 13, 2020

While they were able to ensure parity ahead of the second leg in Turin, Juventus were a long way from their best in the match at the San Siro. That will be a concern for Sarri heading into a crucial spell of fixtures.

There's a lack of fluidity and attacking invention in the team, meaning they are often dependent on moments of brilliance from the likes of Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala to haul them to results.

Sarri recently said he's not concerned about the mounting scrutiny at Juventus, adding if he wanted a position without pressure he "would've taken a job at the post office." Perhaps the players also deserve criticism:

I don’t know about Sarri but one or two Juventus players could do with moving to the Post Office...

— Adam Digby (@Adz77) February 13, 2020

Although there's a low mood at Juventus, the team are still in contention for all major honours.

In Serie A, they are level at the summit of the table with Inter Milan, with Lazio just a point further back, meaning there's a thrilling finish to the campaign in store in the Italian top flight. Juventus continue their push for the UEFA Champions League on February 26, when they face Lyon in the first leg of their last-16 clash.

Juventus director Fabio Paratici is hopeful the club's star forward Paulo Dybala can go on to have a similar influence in Turin to the one Lionel Messi has had at Barcelona. 

Dybala is one of the most gifted players in world football, although his long-term future at Juventus appeared to be in serious doubt in the summer, when he was linked with a move away from the Italian champions.

This season he's enjoyed a renaissance under the guidance of manager Maurizio Sarri and is in talks over a possible contract extension. Paratici said to Rai Sport (h/t Football Italia) he has high hopes for the Argentina international.

"We are very happy with Dybala, he is our No. 10; we invested heavily in him and of course hope he can be Juve's Messi," he noted.

Paratici was also asked if there was any uncertainty over Cristiano Ronaldo's long-term future in Turin. "There are no doubts," he said.

At the end of the 2019 summer transfer window, Dybala was strongly linked with transfers to both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. After neither switch materialised, it was always going to be fascinating to see how he would fare under the tutelage of Sarri.

Overall, it's been a positive season for the 26-year-old, with nine goals in all competitions this season. One of his best strikes came in the UEFA Champions League against Atletico Madrid, when he slammed in this swirling free-kick:

😱 What. A. Goal! 🎯

⚪️⚫️ Paulo Dybala 💎#UCL | @juventusfcen pic.twitter.com/T3fUa2foWV

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 3, 2019

Football analyst Craig Moniz commented on how effective Dybala has been in all-round play this season:

https://twitter.com/craigmoniz_/status/1228194857304223748

When he arrived at Juventus in 2015, it was anticipated that Dybala would go on to become one of the world's best players.

While he's scored some memorable goals and enjoyed regular success with the Bianconeri, he's never quite been able to showcase the consistency needed to be considered alongside his international team-mate Messi and his club team-mate Ronaldo.

Given Paratici's comments, it would appear there is still faith in Turin he can reach those levels. Former Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio recently spoke highly of the forward:

https://twitter.com/IFTVofficial/status/1227625783268724736

It's testament to Dybala's quality and mental fortitude that he's been able to bounce back after a summer where Juventus seemingly wanted him off the books. If he was to sign a new deal soon, it would be a major boost for the club.

Dybala will now be looking to make a decisive impact on the field in the coming months, with Juventus in a serious battle with Inter Milan and Lazio for the Serie A title, not to mention in pursuit of their first Champions League title since 1996.

Gianluigi Buffon had plenty of reasons to return for a second spell with Juventus last summer. Yet chief among them may have been the chance to play in the same team with Cristiano Ronaldo.  

Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot to earn a 1-1 draw with AC Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg on Thursday. His contribution earned high praise from Buffon, per Juve's official website: "Ronaldo? He is an incredible champion, playing with him is one of the reasons I came back."

Buffon is right to revel in what Ronaldo is doing for the Bianconeri. Holding his nerve from 12 yards helped the 35-year-old continue a terrific scoring run despite this calendar year still being in its infancy:

Cristiano Ronaldo in 2020:

⚽️⚽️⚽️ vs Cagliari
⚽️ vs Roma
⚽️⚽️ vs Parma
⚽️ vs Roma
⚽️ vs Napoli
⚽️⚽️ vs Fiorentina
⚽️ vs Hellas Verona
⚽️ vs Milan

Can’t. Stop. Scoring. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/nuCs91vzmB

— GOAL (@goal) February 13, 2020

For the season, Ronaldo has found the net 26 times across all competitions. His latest finish came in controversial fashion, with the spot-kick only awarded after VAR had deemed Davide Calabria guilty of a handball.

It was a close decision that may have been harsh on the Rossoneri:

Bicycle attempt ➡️ potential handball ➡️ VAR review ➡️ penalty given ➡️ 1-1 ➡️ controversy pic.twitter.com/5drTuXshFt

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 13, 2020

Even so, the draw at the San Siro has put Juve in an excellent position to reach the final for the first time since winning the cup in 2018. Last season's defence of the trophy didn't go well, with Juve losing 3-0 to eventual winners Atalanta in the last eight.

Having already gone one better in this campaign, Ronaldo and Co. look primed to add to the Bianconeri's record 13 trophies in the competition. It would be another notable achievement for Buffon, but perhaps not the one he is truly seeking after ending his brief spell with Paris Saint-Germain following just a single season.

The UEFA Champions League trophy still eludes one of the best goalkeepers of his era. By contrast, Ronaldo has won the competition five times, once with Manchester United and on four occasions with Real Madrid.

His arrival in 2018 was supposed to be the final piece in the jigsaw for Juventus, but the club was eliminated by Ajax in last season's quarter-final. Meanwhile, Buffon and PSG were famously sent packing by Manchester United in the last 16.

A tie against Ligue 1 side Lyon in the Round of 16, set to begin on February 26, will see Juve as firm favourites to progress.

Buffon is no longer first choice for the Bianconeri, with former Arsenal stopper Wojciech Szczesny usurping him. Szczesny's performances were rewarded with a new contract on Tuesday, per Juve's official website:

⚪️⚫️ Wojciech Szczęsny signs new Juventus deal until 2024 ✍#UCL | @juventusfcen pic.twitter.com/4TeLGsrSBn

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 11, 2020

Nonetheless, Buffon knows this can still be a memorable season. Finally adding the Champions League trophy to his resume would erase past hurt in the competition, notably his public spat with referee Michael Oliver. Buffon has lost in three finals: 2003, 2015, and 2017.

He can also add yet another Serie A title to his haul of nine, with Juve only trailing leaders Inter Milan on goal difference. Buffon has already set a new appearance record for the Italian top flight on his comeback tour:

1️⃣ Buffon: 903
2️⃣ Maldini: 902

Gianluigi Buffon broke the record for the most senior appearances made by an Italian footballer yesterday 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/DAqymnfzP2

— GOAL (@goal) September 29, 2019

Surpassing Milan great Paolo Maldini was a worthy achievement. Buffon's longevity was further underlined by a moment shared after Thursday's game with the Rossoneri:

Gianluigi Buffon and Daniel Maldini exchanged shirts after their game.

His collection is unreal ❤️ (📸 @DaniellaMatar) pic.twitter.com/jtF4rBvw70

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 13, 2020

Buffon will want to end his career the right way, namely by winning further trophies with Juventus. His experience and influence allied with Ronaldo's goals will make it happen.

Cristiano Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot in the 90th minute to earn Juventus a 1-1 draw with 10-men AC Milan in Thursday's first-leg Coppa Italia semi-final first leg at the San Siro.

The Rossoneri appeared to take control of the tie thanks to a 61st-minute finish from Ante Rebic. Milan was then reduced to 10 men after former Real Madrid left-back Theo Hernandez was sent off for a second yellow card after he brought down Paulo Dybala.

Juve made the extra man count after Davide Calabria blocked Ronaldo's overhead kick. A VAR review deemed the incident worthy of a spot-kick, and Ronaldo made no mistake from 12 yards.

JUVENTUS ARE LEVEL!

Cristiano Ronaldo draws and converts the penalty to make it 1-1! pic.twitter.com/2PRcIUEm4Z

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 13, 2020

Ronaldo scores for the 11th game in a row!

A contentious penalty for Juventus and CR7 punishes Milan in full.

A lifeline for Juve in stoppage time! pic.twitter.com/pqO7X174zF

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 13, 2020

The result means the Bianconeri have a priceless away goal going into the second leg in Turin on March 4. Meanwhile, Milan attacking talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic will miss the second leg after being booked for a clash with Matthijs de Ligt.

Milan had the better of the early exchanges, with Ibrahimovic being teed up in the box after a smart turn from Rebic. Unusually, the powerhouse striker's touch let him down and Juve cleared.

Another smart Milan move saw Rebic and Ibrahimovic combine to provide Calabria with a shooting chance. The defender's powerful effort drew a fine save from 42-year-old Gianluigi Buffon.

Juve's decorated veteran stopper was needed again when Hakan Calhanoglu hit one low from the edge of the box. Buffon was up to the test, but Milan were finding too much time and space behind a forward-thinking Juventus midfield trio of Miralem Pjanic, Blaise Matuidi and Aaron Ramsey.

The Bianconeri needed to seize control of the game and begin providing an anonymous Ronaldo with chances. A decent opportunity came and went when Juan Cuadrado's low shot forced Gianluigi Donnarumma to parry.

Things soon became testy between the rivals, with Ibrahimovic being shown a yellow card for catching De Ligt with an arm to the face.

Then Ramsey went into the book soon after for preventing Hernandez from breaking clear. Hernandez ended the half with a yellow card that proved significant.

It capped what had been a fractious first 45 minutes that lacked genuine quality despite the marquee names on the pitch.

Juve needed Buffon again once the action resumed, and he produced a solid stop to deny Rebic. The latter had broken clear thanks to another smart run but could only shoot straight at Juve's 'keeper.

47' | 💪 | GREAT EARLY SAVE FROM BUFFON ON REBIC! #MilanJuve [0-0] #CoppaItalia pic.twitter.com/aXVef7xAs9

— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) February 13, 2020

Rebic had fluffed his lines, but he continued to find space by running off Ramsey and Co. Fittingly, it was the Croatia international who beat Buffon just after the hour mark when he scooped in a finish from a Samu Castillejo cross.

The goal continued a fine run for Rebic, who is thriving against the toughest opposition:

⚽️ vs. Inter
⚽️ vs. Juventus

Ante Rebić has scored in back-to-back games for Milan, against the top two sides in Serie A. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XkLJfOwVqJ

— Squawka (@Squawka) February 13, 2020

Five goals in his last six games.

He's just put AC Milan in front against Juventus.

Ante Rebic is in fantastic form. pic.twitter.com/1l4Ke3dhpE

— bet365 (@bet365) February 13, 2020

Buffon was beaten just seconds after making a fine save to get a hand to Ibrahimovic's side-footed effort aimed toward the near post.

Milan merited the lead, and Maurizio Sarri responded by substituting Ramsey, who was visibly angry when leaving the pitch for Rodrigo Bentancur. Soon after, former Milan loanee Gonzalo Higuain entered the fray in place of full-back Mattia De Sciglio, while Adrien Rabiot came in for a disappointing Matuidi.

Stefano Pioli then needed to reshuffle the Milan lineup when Hernandez was dismissed for a second booking following a late challenge on Dybala. Diego Laxalt replaced Rebic to ensure Milan kept a set back four.

Theo Hernandez sent off.

Second yellow. As good as he is going forward, he is equally bad defensively & with his decision making on challenges

— Matteo Bonetti (@Bonetti) February 13, 2020

Juve pushed to make the man advantage count but still couldn't get Ronaldo involved enough. He cut a forlorn figure, playing wide on the left following Higuain's introduction.

He may have appeared to be on the fringes of the game, but it was Ronaldo's overhead kick that drew the disputed handball claim against Calabria. The defender was close to Ronaldo with his back turned, but his arm was extended.

Ronaldo made no mistake with the finish to prove that any concerns his powers are waning in the winter of his career are premature:

35-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo has 11 goals in his last seven games 🍷 pic.twitter.com/gDc6KThfFS

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 13, 2020

In the process, Ronaldo also ensured 13-time winners Juve are in the box seat to reach yet another final.

        

What's Next?

Juve host Brescia in Serie A on Sunday, while Milan will welcome Torino the following day.

Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri has spoken about the pressure he is facing at Juventus after consecutive Serie A away defeats.

The Italian champions have been knocked off top spot in the league by Inter Milan after losing to Hellas Verona on Sunday, which came two weeks on from a 2-1 defeat to Napoli, but Sarri is not surprised to see his team's results in the spotlight. He told reporters on Wednesday that Juventus remain on course in all competitions and that his team are in good shape on the training pitch:

"It is normal that my work is always under scrutiny. We are in February and we are fighting for every competition, which is in line with the initial goals. It is clear that we come from a bad game, but with external rather than internal repercussions.

"This team is training well, with intensity and application. The level of training has been elevated and the group has made themselves available. There is depth in the team which allowed for multiple formations that can be selected when needed."

Sarri only took charge of Juventus in summer 2019 after leaving Chelsea, but defeats at Napoli and Verona have fuelled speculation his time in Turin could be short-lived.

Bleacher Report's Gianni Verschueren has offered his thoughts on Juve under Sarri during the Verona game:

https://twitter.com/ReverschPass/status/1226243844766945280

La Repubblica (h/t Football Italia) reported on Monday that some at Juventus want to bring back former boss Massimiliano Allegri as Sarri has not improved results or the club's playing style.

Italian Football TV highlighted how Sarri's record compares unfavourably with Allegri's after 23 matches in charge:

https://twitter.com/IFTVofficial/status/1227248954125017088

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has also been linked with replacing Sarri. President Andrea Agnelli is "convinced" the Spaniard can deliver Juve the UEFA Champions League, according to Martin Lipton at The Sun.

Sarri also spoke about summer signing Ramsey in Wednesday's press conference. The midfielder arrived on a free transfer from Arsenal but has failed to make much of an impact in Turin.

"Aaron Ramsey is growing both in his physical condition and with his confidence," he said. "It was not easy for him to adapt, coming from the Premier League and from a bad injury."

The Wales international's season has been disrupted by injury, and he's made just six Serie A starts for his new club. Tuttosport (h/t Tony Mogan at the Evening Standard) reported on Monday that Juve are considering selling the 29-year-old in the summer.

Wojciech Szczesny's ascension to first-choice goalkeeper with Juventus has been cemented after the Poland international signed a new deal on Tuesday that is set to run until 2024.

The Bianconeri announced the renewal on their official website: "This wonderful adventure between Szczesny and Juventus will therefore continue until 2024 and there is no doubting this is a deserved renewal, because Wojciech is a great goalkeeper. Good luck!"

Szczesny's new deal is an endorsement of how effectively he has replaced Juve legend Gianluigi Buffon between the sticks.

Szczesny moved to Turin in 2017 following a troubled end to his spell with Arsenal. He had become the first choice for the Gunners during the 2010/11 season, immediately showcasing terrific athleticism as a shot-stopper capable of the spectacular.

However, disciplinary incidents tested the patience of then-Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger, who even benched Szczesny for his international rival Lukasz Fabianski. Criticism of Wenger from Szczesny's father, Maciej, didn't help matters, and the Pole was loaned to AS Roma in 2015.

Wojciech Szczęsny is great value! 🤪👏 pic.twitter.com/jWrew71Awa

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 4, 2019

Szczesny revived his career in Serie A, spending two seasons in the Italian capital before attracting the attention of Juve, who secured Szczesny's move from north London in a transfer worth up to €15.3 million.

Since then, Szczesny's impressive performances eventually helped convince Juve the time was right to move on from decorated veteran Buffon. The latter moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2018, but he returned to be Szczesny's deputy this season.

As the club website detailed, Szczesny "has recorded the best percentage of clean sheets in relation to the matches played: 46 percent (28 out of 61). In recent years, he has conceded an average of 0.7 goals per game in Serie A, the lowest ratio taking into account the goalkeepers with at least five appearances."

Still just 29, Szczesny is not yet at his peak as a goalkeeper. His natural talent has never been in question, but he deserves credit for showing greater maturity and eliminating some of the costly mistakes that became common at Arsenal since he moved to the Italian top flight.

Juventus' stranglehold on Serie A in recent years has slipped, according to former Old Lady star Fabio Cannavaro.

The eight-time defending champions were pushed down to second in Serie A last weekend after their shock 2-1 loss to Hellas Verona:

This is the #SerieATIM standings after Matchday 23! #WeAreCalcio pic.twitter.com/qgEl6kZ2Li

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 9, 2020

After being the undisputed dominant force in Italian football for the best part of the last decade, Juve are now being challenged for the Scudetto by both Inter Milan and Lazio. Inter top Serie A on 54 points—the same total as Juve—while Lazio are just a point behind both in third.

Italy's 2006 FIFA World Cup-winning captain Cannavaro, who had two spells at Juve during his career and now manages Guangzhou Evergrande in the Chinese Super League, advised Old Lady manager Maurizio Sarri to find the right balance for the team in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia):

"They are no longer as dominant as they were last season, but they are still top, though. ...

"I can only speak from the outside, as a spectator. The coach sees them every day and knows the condition and every detail. It tickles me to see [Paulo] Dybala play with Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Gonzalo] Higuain. Maybe it sometimes happens—like in Naples—that things don't work out and the trident becomes a burden for the team.

"In addition to confirming himself, Ronaldo is devastating up front. But lately, he's the only one scoring. They need balance."

Ronaldo has indeed taken much of the goalscoring burden recently, setting a new club record by netting in 10 consecutive Serie A appearances:

Ronaldo scores in his TENTH straight league game, the longest scoring streak in Juventus history 🤯

And he just turned 35 this week @brfootball pic.twitter.com/g5IeY85fXG

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 8, 2020

In contrast, Higuain and Dybala have five league goals apiece and have not found the back of the net in any competition since both doing so in January 15's Coppa Italia victory over Udinese.

At 35, it is essential the Portuguese superstar is well-managed, especially given his remarkable record in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League:

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more UCL knockout stage goals than the 2nd and 3rd highest scorers combined 🐐 pic.twitter.com/QMo4mDu5LA

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) April 10, 2019

Juve spent £100 million to sign Ronaldo from Real Madrid in the summer of 2018 largely so he could help them win Europe's most iconic trophy once again. They have lost five finals since their last triumph in 1996, and their attempt to reclaim that crown continues on February 26 when they play the first leg of their last-16 tie against Lyon.

Chiellini expressed confidence Juve can overcome the Ligue 1 side, but he stressed the importance of having key players at their best toward the end of the season:

"They need to have their best players in the best condition possible when we arrive in April and May. The club has invested a lot for to win the Champions League and you need to be patient and improve you overall condition."

If they were running away with the league title, Juve could rest the five-time Ballon d'Or winner as often as possible in a bid to have him at his best for European matches.

Given how tight it is at the top of the Serie A table, that is not possible.

But Ronaldo cannot win both the Scudetto and the Champions League for Juve on his own, and he will need his team-mates to find their own top form in future weeks if the Old Lady are to remain in the running for both trophies. 

Miralem Pjanic "seems to be as soft as mozzarella" in Juventus' midfield, according to the Old Lady's former chairman, Giovanni Cobolli Gigli. 

Juve dropped down to second in the Serie A table after Week 23 of the 2019-20 season following their shock 2-1 defeat away at Hellas Verona and Inter Milan's stunning comeback win over AC Milan:

This is the #SerieATIM standings after Matchday 23! #WeAreCalcio pic.twitter.com/qgEl6kZ2Li

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 9, 2020

They will still fancy themselves to go on and win a ninth consecutive Scudetto this term, however.

But Cobolli Gigli, who was chairman of the Turin giants in the wake of the Calciopoli scandal between 2006 and 2009, has identified Pjanic as a weak link in Maurizio Sarri's side, per Radio Sportiva (h/t Goal):

"The difficulty of the midfield is psychological. Pjanic seems to be as soft as mozzarella. He looks tired, and perhaps in need of a rest. The midfield problem has to be solved."

Pjanic, 29, signed for Juventus in 2016 on the back of a 2015-16 campaign with Roma in which he netted 10 goals and provided 12 assists in 33 Serie A appearances.

Purely on a statistical basis, he has never been able to match those numbers with Juve. In 2019-20, he has three goals and two assists in 21 outings in the Italian top flight, with his last contribution to a goal coming in November's win at Atalanta.

Given that he largely operates in a deep-lying playmaker role, his lack of goals and assists would be acceptable if he was pulling the strings from the middle of the park.

But a passing accuracy of just 75 per cent against Verona, the lowest in Juve's starting XI outside of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, is indicative of a player lacking in confidence:

Pjanic has been absolutely shocking tonight once again. I would definitely sell him this summer also. Been living off reputation for far too long and is a liability at regista #VERJUV

— Carlo Garganese (@carlogarganese) February 8, 2020

Sarri does have options in his squad if he wants to give Pjanic some time to rest, but it would mean putting his faith in the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Adrien Rabiot and Rodrigo Bentancur.

Defeats in Juve's last two away games have seen them dragged back into a fierce title race that also includes Lazio.

They are back in league action at home on Sunday against relegation-battling Brescia, who are without a win in eight games.