As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Juventus coach Pirlo happy with victory over Cagliari - and Ronaldo

Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo was pleased with their 3-1 defeat of Cagliari.

Cristiano Ronaldo struck a hat-trick for the win.

"It was the right approach, which we needed after failing to qualify the other day, and we started on the right foot," Pirlo told Sky Sport Italia.

“Danilo is an intelligent player who can have his say in any role. We are trying him here at the moment because we know he can make an impact there.

“We had three in defence in possession, with Juan Cuadrado pushing up and Dejan Kulusevski coming more inside. We defend with four, but then play out from the back with three.

“The idea was to leave gaps for Cuadrado to push up, bringing Kulusevski more central. Kulusevski can be more in midfield in future, we had to use him as a second striker to make up for absences.

“Naturally, once we have two genuine strikers upfront, our game works better."

On Ronaldo's clash with Cagliari goalkeeper Alessio Cragno, Pirlo was clear.

“I think it was a classic situation during play, both of them were looking at the ball and didn't realise how close they were," shrugged Pirlo.

“He was angry the same way everyone was after the missed qualification, but he did his talking on the pitch with three goals and that's all that matters.

“All we can do is focus on our own results, getting as many points as possible, winning as many games as possible and then at the end seeing where we are."

Video of the day:

Carlos Volcano
About the author

Carlos Volcano

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free