Juventus

Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri offered updates on Matthijs de Ligt and Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Wednesday's Coppa Italia last-16 clash against Udinese.

Sarri told a press conference that he was happy with De Ligt's form and fitness. The Dutchman is likely to come back into the team after Merih Demiral suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Roma on Sunday:

"De Ligt is in great shape and the game against Roma confirmed that. I'm very sorry for Merih Demiral. It happened in a particular moment in which he was growing a lot, demonstrating that he's a Juventus player and having scored his first goal for the club."

Juventus announced on Tuesday that Demiral has undergone successful knee surgery in Austria and is likely to be sidelined for up to seven months.

Demiral has shone for Juventus this season and forced summer signing De Ligt on to the bench, but the 20-year-old now has the chance to cement his position in Sarri's starting XI until the end of the season.

Italian football writer Carlo Garganese said De Ligt will need to up his game:

Juventus won’t suffer as much as Roma as they have great depth at CB. Chiellini should return next month but it remains to be seen how he is coming back from an ACL at 35. What is clear is that Juve need De Ligt to up his performances now

— Carlo Garganese (@carlogarganese) January 13, 2020

Sarri also spoke about Ronaldo but refused to confirm if the Portugal international will start the match. The 34-year-old is in a rich vein of form and has 10 goals in his last eight Juve outings.

Ronaldo also scored twice against Udinese in the 3-1 win in December, as well as grabbing a hat-trick and an assist in his last home game:

Last time out at home: A first @SerieA hat-trick for @Cristiano! 🔥🔥🔥

🎞 Watch the full #JuveCagliari highlights on https://t.co/8iZ5bh2Yrp ⏯ https://t.co/Z2FPq61w0M pic.twitter.com/VqS5C6GGgw

— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) January 14, 2020

The Juventus boss said he will speak to the forward ahead of the match and then make a decision on whether to include him in his starting XI.

"Our three forwards are all in good shape. Cristiano is fine and in great form and I want to speak to him tomorrow to find out whether or not to play him. [Marko] Pjaca is a great player who has been very unlucky. If there's a chance for him, I'll be more than happy."

Udinese arrive in Turin on a good run of form having won their last three games in row, but Sarri could make changes to his team as the Coppa Italia is not a top priority.

Juventus defender Merih Demiral is set to sit out the rest of the season after he suffered an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament on Sunday.

The Bianconeri offered an update on Monday and confirmed he'll soon undergo surgery:

Come back soon, @Merihdemiral! We will be waiting for you! ❤️

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

Per Football-Italia, the Turk ruptured the ligament, and the injury will likely keep him out for around six months, ending his campaign and his hopes of playing at UEFA Euro 2020.

Demiral had volleyed Juve in front against Roma after just three minutes, but he was forced off in the 19th minute of the 2-1 win after landing heavily while challenging for a header.

Roma winger Nicolo Zaniolo suffered an identical injury later in the first half, and he too will have an operation.

Demiral's long-term injury is a blow to Juve and perhaps even more significantly to Turkey:

As for Turkey, it’s a massive blow if, as seems likely, he misses Euro 2020. Turkey had the best defence in Europe in the qualifiers and Demiral was their star man. Crushing blow for them

— Carlo Garganese (@carlogarganese) January 13, 2020

The 21-year-old signed for Juventus in the summer after a six-month spell at Sassuolo.

He found himself behind Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Matthijs de Ligt in the pecking order, but the former suffered a similar long-term injury one game into the season.

Demiral had made just one appearance prior to December, but he had forced his way into Maurizio Sarri's plans and started ahead of De Ligt in each of Juve's last six matches in all competitions thanks to some excellent form.

According to Football-Italia, the centre-back had been linked with a January move to Manchester City, Leicester City and Arsenal.

Bleacher Report's Gianni Verschueren noted the impact his injury will have on Juve's transfer business this month:

https://twitter.com/ReverschPass/status/1216478467287650304

Daniele Rugani has played just three times this season, but until Chiellini returns he's now the primary back-up to Bonucci and De Ligt. What's more, he also has the opportunity to make a case for more game time if and when he does get on the pitch in the coming months.

Juventus and Cristiano Ronaldo climbed to the summit of Serie A on Sunday after defeating Roma 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico.

Merih Demiral's opener broke the deadlock for the champions after just three minutes, and Cristiano Ronaldo doubled the scoreline with a penalty when Paulo Dybala was fouled by Jordan Veretout.

Roma grabbed themselves a lifeline with Diego Perotti's 68th-minute penalty as VAR judged handball against Alex Sandro.

Despite sustained pressure for the hosts, it wasn't enough for the Giallorossi, who fell to defeat against the Old Lady.

Juve took full advantage and capitalised on Inter Milan's 1-1 draw against Atalanta on Saturday at the San Siro, but Roma were unlucky not to claim a point.

A poor opening was Roma's undoing, and two goals in the opening 10 minutes gave Juve a dream start.

The home team failed to deal with Miralem Pjanic's set piece, and the resulting free-kick was turned in at the back post by Demiral.

The Turkey international volleyed home with precision past Roma goalkeeper Pau Lopez.

Juve were motivated by their quick opener, and it was soon 2-0 after a defensive error saw Dybala brought down in the box by Veretout.

The loanee from Fiorentina was booked for the foul box, and Ronaldo made sure he punished Roma from the penalty spot, continuing his good start to 2020.

2 games
4 goals
6 points

Cristiano has started 2020 with a bang 💥 pic.twitter.com/C4pd6jAf2X

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 12, 2020

Roma held plenty of the ball for the first half without causing concern, but they came back into the contest after half-time.

Gianluca Mancini went close but failed to hit the target as the hosts hunted a way back into the encounter, and Edin Dzeko hit the post shortly before Roma struck.

Their goal came after the referee overturned a penalty decision via VAR, deciding Sandro had handled the ball in the box, allowing Perotti to score from the resulting spot-kick.

VAR confirmed Juve's Gonzalo Higuain was offside as he found the back of the net with 11 minutes remaining, and Lorenzo Pellegrini missed a late chance to give Roma a draw as his effort went over the bar.

                  

What's Next

Both teams are set to feature in the Coppa Italia round of 16 during midweek. Juve host Udinese on Wednesday, and Roma travel to face Parma on Thursday.

Aaron Ramsey has said Juventus wanted to sign him "at all costs" ahead of the current campaign. 

The Wales international brought the curtain down on 10 years at Arsenal in the summer of 2019, as he was unable to agree a contract extension at the Emirates Stadium. The Italian champions stepped in and snapped up the midfielder on a free transfer.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia's Lords of Football show (h/t Football Italia), Ramsey said it was clear pretty quickly how much Juventus wanted him.

"After the situation at Arsenal, Juve went ahead and made me a proposal," he said. "They wanted me at all costs, they tried very hard to get me to the club."

While he was a crucial player for the Gunners, as of yet Ramsey has been unable to nail down a regular place in the starting XI with the Bianconeri. This term he's made just four starts in Serie A and two in the UEFA Champions League, grabbing a couple of goals in the process; a number of injury issues have prevented him from getting a regular run.

The Welshman did perform well in Monday's 4-0 win over Cagliari, though, helping Juventus get 2020 off to a winning start:

Per Italian football writer Adam Digby, manager Maurizio Sarri gave Ramsey the chance to show what he can do in his preferred role:

Demiral keeps his place, Ramsey in his favourite position, Rabiot given another chance. Interesting choices from Sarri as #Juventus return to action https://t.co/keU5S1sosT

— Adam Digby (@Adz77) January 6, 2020

On Lords of Football, Ramsey also outlined how different it is playing in Serie A and the Premier League:

"Serie A is much more tactical than the Premier League. Many teams defend deep and you have to try to break down two rows of defenders in different ways.

"In the Premier League there is more space, plus the intensity is higher because you have to look behind yourself more. But I'm impressed by Serie A, from a technical and quality standpoint."

Overall, the former Arsenal star would have liked to have had a bigger impact in Italy, although it's not a huge surprise it's taken him some time to settle in to life at a new club. Nevertheless, he does appear to be keen to become immersed in the Italian culture:

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 How to speak Italian with Aaron Ramsey! 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/kivkPKcyRL

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 8, 2019

Having shone against Cagliari, Ramsey will hope the new year can trigger a run of games in Sarri's XI.

At his best, the 29-year-old can offer a different dimension from midfield. While Juventus are blessed with a plethora of options in this facet of the squad, Ramsey has scored goals consistently throughout his career; that awareness and instinct is not something he's been able to show fully in Turin yet.

As he gets accustomed to Sarri's tactics and to the intricacies of the game in Serie A, Ramsey should improve. For a Juventus team fighting for domestic and European glory in 2020, you sense he can be a big asset in the second half of the campaign.

Federico Chiesa can leave Fiorentina if an acceptable offer is made for him, according to club owner Rocco Commisso.

The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to Juventus for some time, while Inter Milan, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are also reportedly interested in him, per CalcioMercato.

Per Lady Radio (h/t Football Italia), Commisso has now opened the door for Chiesa's exit:

"I have already spoken to his father Enrico. I have come here to Florence seven times since I bought Fiorentina and we've seen each other many times. I have been talking to Enrico and Federico. If he wants to leave, he can go, but only if there is an offer in favour of Fiorentina. I'd like to have players who can become leaders, like [Gaetano] Scirea, [Franco] Baresi, [Paolo] Maldini, [Fulvio] Collovati, [Francesco] Totti or [Giancarlo] Antognini."

Back in June, soon after his purchase of Fiorentina, Commisso said Chiesa would not be sold "even for €100 million (£85 million)."

It seems he has now changed his mind on the winger's value to the side.

Fiorentina have endured a tough opening half of 2019-20. After 18 matches, they are 15th in the Serie A table, just four points clear of the relegation zone:

#SerieATIM update after 18 matchdays. 📊⤵️#WeAreCalcio pic.twitter.com/J5QBuzdN06

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) January 6, 2020

Chiesa has made 15 appearances in the Italian top flight this term, netting two goals and providing three assists playing across the front line.

The Genoa-born attacker joined the Viola's youth ranks in 2007 and made his senior debut in 2016.

He has been a key part of the first team ever since and also earned his first senior Italy cap in 2018.

Chiesa has yet to prove that he can be a consistent threat at the highest level. His career tally of 17 goals in 112 Serie A appearances is not overly impressive.

He boasts an exciting skill set, though, and the quality of the clubs linked with him shows just how much potential he has.

Fiorentina likely sense an opportunity to make a good amount of money on a player who has long been linked with an exit.   

Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot has said he does not want to leave the club in January amid continued speculation regarding a transfer. 

Rabiot joined Juventus on a free transfer in the summer, having fallen out of favour at Paris Saint-Germain after refusing to sign a contract extension.

Since his switch to the Italian champions, the playmaker has struggled to cement his place in Maurizio Sarri's first team. Rabiot has only made six starts in Serie A and is yet to register a goal or assist for his new club.

However, the Frenchman is adamant that he wants to fight for his place in Turin, per James Westwood of Goal:

"Yes, I will stay with Juventus for sure. There is no problem. I feel the confidence of the club and of coach Sarri. 2019 was not easy for me, I came to Juve after a long time without playing. 

"I'm looking to adapt to a new league, a new environment and a new coach. I hope 2020 will be better for me and be able to help Juventus by exploiting my full potential."

Per Westwood, Manchester United have previously been linked with a move for the midfielder. According to Tuttosport (h/t Sport Witness), Everton also hold an interest in Rabiot and are willing to part with €30 million (£25.5 million) to sign him in January.

However, it would appear as though Rabiot isn't ready to give up on his Juventus career quite yet. There have been some positive signs for Rabiot in recent weeks:

https://twitter.com/ReverschPass/status/1214220234514673667

Competition in the Juventus midfield is fierce at the moment, with Rabiot one of a number of high-class options available to Sarri.

Aaron Ramsey also arrived at the Bianconeri in the summer on a free transfer, joining other central midfielders Blaise Matuidi, Miralem Pjanic, Rodrigo Bentancur, Sami Khedira and Emre Can.

At his best, Rabiot is capable of adding something different to the midfield. Not only is he left-sided and subsequently provides natural balance, the former PSG man carries the ball with elegance and is smart with his utilisation of possession.

He also has a lot of experience for someone who is still at a relatively early point in their career:

1995 - Adrien #Rabiot is the youngest player with at least 150 Ligue 1 appearances. Reliable. pic.twitter.com/CBK2N4ozXk

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) July 2, 2019

The worry for Rabiot is that 2019 was almost a write-off, as he didn't play for PSG in the second half of 2018-19 and has only made sporadic appearances for Juventus.

If he is to reach the heights so many thought he would as a youngster in Paris, then it's imperative he finds a way to get on the field with regularity. At the moment, there is no guarantee he will get that with the Bianconeri.

Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri has said Cristiano Ronaldo's injury problems are now fully behind him, after the forward netted a hat-trick in Monday's 4-0 win over Cagliari. 

There have been spells this season where the Portuguese has been a little below his best. However, following the winter break, Ronaldo was back to his razor-sharp self, finding the net three times in Turin.

Speaking after the game, Sarri said he's delighted that the 34-year-old is back in peak condition once again, per AS.

"Ronaldo doesn't have problems with his knee anymore and now he is enjoying his great physical and mental condition," said the Bianconeri boss. "Finally I can see him really happy because his knee is fine now. He can play at his best now."

Ronaldo rounded off his hat-trick on what was an excellent day for the Italian champions:

🎩 Ronaldo has his HAT-TRICK!

🙌 Straight from the tip-off after Higuain scored a third for Juve, Ronaldo adds another

🤷‍♂ A day to forget for Cagliari pic.twitter.com/3lUgmuOZsq

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) January 6, 2020

The treble against Cagliari was Ronaldo's first in Serie A:

Cristiano Ronaldo is the only player to score a hat trick in the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and World Cup ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/WkGhkG3vUj

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 6, 2020

There have been times this season where the Portugal international has looked frustrated, most notably when he was substituted by Sarri in the clash with AC Milan after just 55 minutes.

After that match, the Juventus manager said the forward's condition, not his performance, was the reason he was withdrawn from the action.

There were signs before the winter break that Ronaldo was beginning to hit his stride though, starting December by netting in five consecutive games for the Bianconeri. The match against Cagliari was the biggest indicator yet that the former Real Madrid man still has his incredibly ruthless edge in front of goal.

The forward is beginning to build momentum in the Italian top flight:

5 - For the first time Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in five games in a row with Juventus in Serie A. Continuous. #JuveCagliari

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) January 6, 2020

Broadcaster Mina Rzouki praised Ronaldo and the other Juventus attackers for their performances this season:

Ronaldo got a hat-trick today but you need to appreciate how effective he and the other forwards have been for a side that has a weak midfield and nothing special coming from the flanks.

— Mina Rzouki (@Minarzouki) January 6, 2020

Throughout his career, Ronaldo has typically come alive in the second half of campaigns, excelling in the biggest contests.

Juventus will hope that the Portugal star can retain that edge in crunch clashes, as they are poised to be involved in plenty of them between now and the end of the season. The Bianconeri are level on points with Inter Milan at the summit of Serie A and will face Lyon in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

Ronaldo has won the latter competition an incredible five times and is the top goalscorer in Champions League history. Although Juventus will also be desperate to beat Inter to domestic glory, their primary ambition this season will be European success, hopes that will be enhanced by the form of their star forward.

Juventus director Fabio Paratici has confirmed that Emre Can won't be allowed to leave the club in January, amid rumours linking him with Manchester United. 

The German is reportedly a person of interest at Old Trafford:

Sean Longstaff and Emre Can are among the options being considered by Man United in January, sources have told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/OPMWPcLr5f

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) January 2, 2020

However, Paratici told Sky Sport Italia (h/t ESPN): "He is staying with us. He is one of the most coveted midfielders. He has some opportunities and so do we, but I think he can be an important player for our project."

Can arrived at Juventus on a free transfer from Liverpool in 2018.

He made 37 appearances in his first campaign at the club, despite missing eight games after requiring surgery to remove a thyroid nodule.

Things have not gone his way this season, though. The 25-year-old was left out of Juve's 22-man UEFA Champions League squad by manager Maurizio Sarri, and he has played just 279 minutes across eight appearances in Serie A, an average of 35 minutes per outing.

He's struggled to impress when he has played:

Emre Can blew chance in midfield, he was horrid. Kind of unfair for him as he’s barely played and is naturally rusty. That game increases his chance of being sold in January. The No.10 position - Bernardeschi predictably bad - and poor passing remains an issue Sarri isn’t solving

— Carlo Garganese (@carlogarganese) December 1, 2019

Bleacher Report's Dean Jones questioned United's interest in Can:

If United think Emre Can is the answer then the club really is in big trouble

— Dean Jones (@DeanJonesSoccer) January 2, 2020

However, while he's had a difficult time of late, Can developed significantly during his final years at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp and was a strong midfield option for them prior to his departure.

He'sversatile and combines physicality with technical ability. He brings energy and ball-winning intent to the engine room, and he also looks to get it forward when the team are in possession.

Can would hardly be the answer to all of United's problems, but after they let Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera both leave in 2019 without replacing either, a midfielder of Can's capabilities and potential would be a fine asset to the squad.

If Juve intend to keep him they need to start making use of him more regularly—which should also help him rediscover some form—or there's little point in keeping him around.

Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri has backed Matthijs de Ligt to reach the top of the game despite a mixed start to his Bianconeri career. 

De Ligt moved to Turin from Ajax last summer in a €75 million deal.

Sarri told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Goal's Sam France): "I am the first to be convinced that he will become the best defender in the world. He had five difficult months playing every three days and having to settle in a new country, a new league with a new language."

De Ligt was thrown in at the deep end at Juventus when Giorgio Chiellini ruptured his cruciate ligament one match into the season.

The 20-year-old took time to settle into the side after being thrust into a starting role quicker than expected, but his form improved as the months went on.

The Dutchman's biggest strength is perhaps his technical ability, which he uses to carry the ball out from the back and pick out his team-mates with some impressive passing.

He has shown his capabilities as a defender, too, such as in Juve's 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League:

Last 10 minutes...
Protecting a 1-0 lead...
Opposition through on goal...

BANG 💥

This is why Juventus signed Matthijs de Ligt 💪 pic.twitter.com/2KfxokcqeX

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 26, 2019

De Ligt hasn't featured much of late, though. The youngster sat out their final Champions League group match on December 11 with a shoulder problem.

Four days later he made a late cameo off the bench as Juventus beat Udinese 3-1, but he has been an unused substitute in their last three matches in all competitions.

The form of his replacement, Merih Demiral, has been too good for Sarri to take him out of the team:

https://twitter.com/ReverschPass/status/1214213721159077890

The competition for game time in Chiellini's absence could do both players some good, as will the experience they garner on the pitch.

The Italian will be 36 in August, and there's no telling at this stage whether he'll be able to return from such a serious injury at the level he was at before.

Leonardo Bonucci will be 33 in May. While defenders can often enjoy greater longevity at the top level in Serie A, his advancing years should also lead to more opportunities for both De Ligt and Demiral.

Cristiano Ronaldo netted his first Serie A hat-trick as Juventus beat Cagliari 4-0 on Monday to move top of the table in Italy. 

Cagliari defended well in the first half to keep the hosts out in Turin, but four minutes after the break, Ronaldo put his side ahead after taking advantage of a defensive mistake.

The Portuguese superstar then netted from the penalty spot after the excellent Paulo Dybala was fouled in the box by Marko Rog before setting up Gonzalo Higuain for Juve's third 10 minutes from time.

One minute later, Ronaldo completed his treble with an accomplished finish, and Inter Milan will now need a victory over Napoli to reclaim the top spot when they play later Monday. 

Juve eventually got the strong opening to the year manager Maurizio Sarri would have wanted, but they looked to be suffering from a festive hangover at the start of proceedings Monday.

Dybala and Aaron Ramsey were both off target with early efforts, and Merih Demiral headed against the crossbar.

But Cagliari were fairly comfortable in keeping Juventus out in the first half despite being starved of possession:

Juventus 0-0 Cagliari HT

Juventus mustered 10 shots and 66.7% possession in the first half, but it's goalless at the break in Turin

For more match stats -- https://t.co/OvTi1CmWIT pic.twitter.com/B8scKn08nB

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) January 6, 2020

All their good work was undone, though, when Ronaldo pounced on Ragnar Klavan's sloppy back-pass in the 49th minute, rounded goalkeeper Robin Olsen and scored his first goal of 2020:

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Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in Europe's top five leagues for 18 consecutive years. pic.twitter.com/SAFJi8OZ1r

— Squawka (@Squawka) January 6, 2020

Cristiano Ronaldo scores his first goal of the new decade 🎆 pic.twitter.com/DBPrRiQXjy

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 6, 2020

Wojciech Szczesny kept Juve in the lead when he saved from Giovanni Simeone on the hour, and six minutes later, Dybala's silky footwork in the penalty area bamboozled Rog, who could only foul the Argentinian as he attempted to stop him.

Ronaldo placed the ball on the spot and sent Olsen the wrong way to all but wrap up the points.

The former Real Madrid man was not done, though. 

In the 81st minute, he fed substitute Higuain down the left flank, the striker cut inside onto his right foot and his deflected shot nestled in the back of the net.

Seconds later, Douglas Costa then surged through the middle, found Ronaldo on the edge of the box, and the five-time Ballon d'Or winner completed a landmark hat-trick from six yards despite a heavy first touch:

Cristiano Ronaldo: Has scored a second half hat-trick vs Cagliari -- It's his first ever Serie A treble for Juventus and first in the league since February 2018 pic.twitter.com/bLARZ1KryF

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) January 6, 2020

Ronaldo has now scored eight times in his last five Serie A appearances, an ominous sign for the rest of the Italian top flight. 

                                      

What's Next?

Juve are back in action Sunday when they visit Roma in Serie A after Cagliari host AC Milan on Saturday.