Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri has discussed his policy of resting Cristiano Ronaldo by sending a sly dig towards Real Madrid.
The Italian has said that with Madrid being 20 points behind Barcelona when Ronaldo returned to the side in December last season, they were able to effectively relax and focus on the Champions League.
"We'll see when he will rest," Allegri told the media prior to Juventus' Coppa Italia clash against Atalanta.
"I will speak with him today; he is doing well.
"Physically he is well, the tests are fine.
"Regarding the quantity, he is doing the same as he did in Madrid but he has more intensity.
"Last year at Madrid, he began playing in December and they were already 20 points behind Barcelona.
"Let's say they had longer holidays."
Juventus will face Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital on 20 February and Allegri's side are considered favourites for the tie.
"The game in Madrid is a football match," he added.
"Nobody can say that Juventus are the overwhelming favourites and the best side in the Champions League - it's crazy.
"We can make no mistakes; it's not like in Serie A where you can lose one game out of 38.
"This can't happen in the Champions League."
chidesco1
50
Allegri should mind juventus and leave the business at madrid to be. We're getting back to peak even without Ronaldo (though we clearly miss him).
shray_srivastava
36
Yes true, Cristiano didn't participate in Copa Del Rey last year, & he occasionally played in League, he was often left back home for away matches. One of the main reasons for him not to score, in Semis or either Finals is because, he was not in match rythm, he wasn't playing regularly, & often just played a few off mins preceding the game to the Champions League.