Max Allegri confirms Cristiano Ronaldo and Daniele Rugani will start against Ajax, while Juventus will take a different approach to the Atletico Madrid clash.
The first leg of the Champions League quarter-final kicks off in Amsterdam on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
“Tomorrow we must play a more attacking and courageous game than with Atletico Madrid, because we cannot think of leaving here without a goal. It’s not often that we see a turnaround of the likes we had against Atleti…” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
The Bianconeri lost the first leg of their Round of 16 by a 2-0 scoreline, but won the return 3-0 in Turin with a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick.
CR7 had been out since international duty with a thigh strain, but is ready for his comeback, even though Giorgio Chiellini and Emre Can are injured.
“Unless something happens, Ronaldo will play. It’s a pity not to have Chiellini and Emre Can, but the others are fine. Having Douglas Costa back is important, Paulo Dybala had a good training session this morning. Rugani will play at centre-back, it’s an important opportunity for him and we’re happy.
“It’s true Atletico are a completely different team to Ajax, who are more open, so we’ve got to be smart in defence.”
Juve need only one point against SPAL this weekend to secure their eighth consecutive Scudetto.
“The team is in good shape, we had some important days in training, as we can lay the foundations of qualification for the next round and then this weekend the opportunity to win the Scudetto in Ferrara.
“Ajax knocked Real Madrid out, but also gave Bayern Munich problems in the group stage. It’s the first game of two and we’ll see what happens.”
Wendy7
237
He did say he was going to be ready for the clash against Ajax but I’m still scared as hell.. I’m not in the mood to see another injury from him. So maybe it would’ve been better if he played 2nd half 🤷🏽♀️
footballfanatic7298
193
I feel like they should have chilleini in too. Ajax are not going to be like ateleti. They are going to attack and juve can't have defence like they did against atlanta.
saodeikru
169
Ronaldo will surely start. If this is a League game, the coach will say he is not for yet!!! Rest him And play him for the UCL only because He is a UCL material only!!!!
HusbinHS7
160
We're gonna see another magical moment..... The King is back and gonna run over Ajax..... Revenge on his mind as a Madridista...... Ajax for sure are gonna put on good show.....and Juventus have to prepare well...... CR7 back in the house..... He's gonna rock again..... More goals and hatricks loading
bumprsy
139
A king is always and for ever be a king welcome back to your league cristiano league
iwashere
97
ronaldo is going to show them why realmadrid are spending 500 millions in transfer window
CRLJ
79
this is wonderful hope kean will start with him and i hope we will seee a fantastic performance from the whole team
Edoo87
57
Ajax fans now
vemiknopru
33
Juventus are relying too much on Ronaldo. Bringing him faster than the actual time may unfit his healed injury.He may play the 1st leg but anything may happen after it onto the 2nd leg.