Juventus vs Sassuolo - Allegri thinks Ronaldo could open his Serie A account

Posted Saturday, September 15, 2018 by PA

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri knows it is only a matter of time before Cristiano Ronaldo breaks his Serie A duck and has high hopes it will be in their top-of-the-table clash against Sassuolo.

The Portugal international has drawn a blank in his three matches since his summer move from Real Madrid but the 33-year-old’s proven goalscoring record means Allegri has no doubts the breakthrough will come.

“Cristiano has been training well. I think tomorrow could be his day,” he told a press conference.

“I believe that Cristiano deserves to win the FIFA World Player award, even if Luka Modric has had a phenomenal year as well.”

With European football beginning next week Allegri has told his players it is time for them to step up a level, despite opening their season with three successive wins to sit top of Serie A.

“This is where the season starts in earnest,” he added.

“The first objectives are to qualify from our Champions League group and lead the way in the league in order to be fighting on all fronts come March.”

The Juve boss will be without defender Andrea Barzagli, who will miss out with a calf strain, and expects to make changes.

“Whoever played twice for their national teams in the past week will not start tomorrow’s match, with the only exception being Blaise Matuidi,” he said.

“Tomorrow will see Emre Can make his first start for Juventus. I’ll probably rest Miralem Pjanic, while I’ll decide on Sami Khedira later.”

Sassuolo midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng, who had spells at Tottenham and Portsmouth, believes Allegri is destined to manage in the Premier League.

The 31-year-old, who signed a two-year deal with Sassuolo after winning the German Cup with Eintracht Frankfurt last season, previously worked with the Italian at AC Milan.

“We had a good time together and he’s grown so much, getting these results proves he’s a great coach,” he told Sky Italia.

“With his style, I can see him in the Premier League in the future.”

Boateng also does not expect Ronaldo’s Serie A goal drought to last for long.

“He just needs to break his duck,” he added Boateng.

“After that he’ll get his usual 30 goals per season but I hope he doesn’t start against us.

“We’ll need to play the perfect match against Juve and hope they’re not at their best.”