Max Allegri has confirmed the return of Juventus’ BBC backline but says only Leonardo Bonucci is certain to start against Frosinone in Serie A on Friday.
The match kicks off at 19:30 GMT tomorrow – click here for a preview.
“Cristiano will play. He’s always played, so why shouldn’t he?” the Coach said at a Press conference.
Max Allegri has confirmed the return of Juventus’ BBC backline but says only Leonardo Bonucci is certain to start against Frosinone in Serie A on Friday.
The match kicks off at 19:30 GMT tomorrow – click here for a preview.
“Cristiano will play. He’s always played, so why shouldn’t he?” the Coach said at a Press conference.
“It’s you [journalists] who are obsessed with the Champions League, not us. I’ve looked at Paulo’s overall numbers and they’re impressive.
“Maybe he’s scored less this season, but he hasn’t become totally scarce. He’s still an important player. We have to beat Frosinone to keep the Scudetto race going.
“They’re a team who have picked up important results away from home and who, let’s not forget, took a point from the Stadium on the only occasion they’ve played there.
“We need a serious performance so we can prepare for the game in Madrid in the best possible way.
“Bonucci will start, Chiellini will maybe play for 45 minutes. Barzagli has recovered well and is living a second youth, but he’s been out for 70 days and he can’t play yet.
“Rugani’s had some flexor discomfort, so we’ll assess him tomorrow. If he doesn’t make it then Caceres will play.
“I also have to make decision in midfield as Matuidi could rest. Szczesny will be in goal and I’ll field two of De Sciglio, Spinazzola and Cancelo, who could play on the left.
“We won’t go on a training retreat, we’ve trained this morning and I’ve come to this Press conference on an empty stomach and I’ll be eating after.”
The 51-year-old was then asked about Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala merging their goal celebrations last weekend.
“I’m old-fashioned, masks and gestures to celebrate the goals are brilliant and they amuse me, but I don’t understand them and I don’t know anything about them.
“I can only say that the team are physically in a good way right now and we’re very focused on the final part of the season.
“In the Champions League we must think only of ourselves. Bringing home the trophy takes one step at a time.”
Sporting director Fabio Paratici asserted earlier in the week that Allegri was staying at the helm, so does the Coach agree?
“There’s nothing, 100 percent,” he replied.
“I have a contract, I’m fine here and I’m happy.”
Juve squad to face Frosinone: Szczesny, Perin, Pinsoglio; De Sciglio, Chiellini, Caceres, Barzagli, Cancelo, Rugani, Spinazzola; Pjanic, Khedira, Matuidi, Emre Can, Bentancur; Ronaldo, Dybala, Mandzukic, Kean, Bernardeschi