Maurizio Sarri was pleased with Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain’s work-rate for Juventus. “We played at a high level for 60 minutes.”
The 3-1 victory over Udinese was sealed by a Ronaldo brace and Leonardo Bonucci, but above all had the three stars starting together.
Maurizio Sarri was pleased with Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain’s work-rate for Juventus. “We played at a high level for 60 minutes.”
The 3-1 victory over Udinese was sealed by a Ronaldo brace and Leonardo Bonucci, but above all had the three stars starting together.
“It’s the first time that we’ve managed to really attack the game after a Champions League fixture. We played at a high level for a good 60 minutes,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“At this moment, those three are in good shape and we were facing an Udinese side that doesn’t really keep possession, they like to try long balls.
“I therefore thought this was a situation where we could afford to have them. As soon as Udinese starting passing it around more, we struggled, so it is a valuable option for us, but one we cannot use all the time.
“Our forwards also worked hard to help the defence and press the opposition for the first 60 minutes. In attack, they did what I asked, which was quick exchanges and passing.”
Dybala was introduced in the Champions League victory against Bayer Leverkusen midweek and transformed the game with two assists.
“If we are in a game where the opposition will have 50-50 possession, then it becomes more complicated. They were very organised and focused today.
“With Bayer Leverkusen, I saw they were getting tired and struggling to keep up the intensity, so I introduced the trident for that reason. Udinese play in a different way, they are not so focused on passing.”
Sarri was asked if he is ready to be criticised when he next picks Federico Bernardeschi rather than this trio upfront?
“I’ve been criticised after making a substitution that proved decisive for a victory, so frankly I never know what to expect.”
A picture was doing the rounds on the Internet this weekend, showing Sarri during his playing days and a distinct resemblance to Antonio Cabrini.
“I was a much worse player and much less famous than Cabrini, but I was fairly pretty!” he joked.