There are rumours Cristiano Ronaldo has been dropped by Max Allegri for the Serie A opener between Juventus and Udinese, but the star is not injured.
The game kicks off at the Dacia Arena at 17.30 UK time (16.30 GMT).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s four Serie A games on the LIVEBLOG.
If confirmed, the decision comes just days after Ronaldo was left out of the final pre-season friendly against the Under-23 side.
That was at the time explained as a rest day so that he’d be fully fit for this weekend.
According to Sport Mediaset and Sportitalia, CR7 is dropped as a technical decision by the coach, meaning there is no injury or physical reason why he should not be starting.
Allegri also reiterated during yesterday’s press conference that Ronaldo is staying at Juventus, but the transfer speculation with PSG, Manchester United, Real Madrid and even Manchester City continues in the media all over Europe.
It has been said in the Italian papers that Allegri was against the original idea of signing Ronaldo at Juve and was hoping the Portugal international would leave this summer, as he is so reticent to change his game in any way to adapt to teammates.
Cut CR7 loose. No questioning his abilities but he is not a team player. Never was and never will be. It’s just about the records and stats with him.That is why Messi is better.
JUST GET OUT ALREADY
Chooch you an idiot