Juventus director Beppe Marotta confirms “it is a difficult moment for Paulo Dybala,” who is benched for the big game against Inter.
It kicks off at 19.45 GMT, click here for the line-ups and Liveblog.
Gigi Buffon is out injured, but stood on the pitch throughout the warm-up, perhaps practicing for his future as a Coach or team manager.
Juventus director Beppe Marotta confirms “it is a difficult moment for Paulo Dybala,” who is benched for the big game against Inter.
It kicks off at 19.45 GMT, click here for the line-ups and Liveblog.
Gigi Buffon is out injured, but stood on the pitch throughout the warm-up, perhaps practicing for his future as a Coach or team manager.
“Any role is open to Buffon once he retires and he likes to be here cheering on his teammates,” Marotta told Mediaset Premium.
Max Allegri pulled a few surprises, leaving Alex Sandro, Douglas Costa and Dybala on the bench.
“The fact Dybala is on the bench takes nothing away from a lad who is growing and is only 24 years old, so he’s still in the maturation process. It’s only right that the Coach evaluates whether he is more effective from the start or off the bench. Games last more than 90 minutes now and you need all your resources.
“A great club has to support its players both on and off the field. It is a difficult moment for Dybala, that is no secret, but he can grow and prove his worth. Naturally, he’s not happy to be on the bench, as nobody is, but he respects and accepts the decision.”
There have been reports Dybala has struggled since breaking up with his long-term girlfriend and also parted company with his agent, while he still doesn’t have a boot sponsor.
“The values of Juventus have been passed down to players over decades and it is a shirt that weighs on you. There can be no lack of motivation or effort, as we proved at the San Paolo last week, in Greece for the Champions League and hopefully tonight too.”