Juventus GM Beppe Marotta says dropping Leonardo Bonucci for tonight's Champions League clash at Porto was the right decision.

The defender was axed after a row with coach Max Allegri on Friday during victory over Palermo.

Marotta said: “The Bonucci issue is very simple and we don't need to release statements to prove we share certain decisions. We reprimanded both, then the Coach proposed this decision and we accepted it.

“It's important to make certain things clear. It is now a closed case, Bonucci remains a very important champion for us. I don't want to weigh up the mistakes made by Dybala, Lichtsteiner and Bonucci, we simply evaluated the decision to make and in our view it was the correct course of action out of respect for everyone, from the squad to the fans.

“It's not an issue of apologies or not, we acted swiftly on Saturday and Sunday, when some expected a Press release that was not mandatory.

“We decided to intervene with the player and the Coach, as it's better to keep some things in the family. I think that since football began this sort of dynamic has existed, it's just that now there are so many television cameras that vivisect the game from every angle that nothing escapes attention.

“In football the 'we' is above the 'I' and we're disappointed for Bonucci, but tonight 11 players worthy of this jersey will step on to the field ready for a great performance.

“Bonucci is a professional and he has to behave according to the rules. A disciplinary action will not change his capabilities, it's a decision made for the good of everyone, but from tonight the case is closed."