Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo explained going with Gigi Buffon over Wojciech Szczęsny for victory over Napoli.

Juve won 2-1 with Buffon between the posts on the night.

“It was something I had already prepared," Pirlo admitted afterwards.

“There has been criticism towards Szczesny after the last game and I told you he would play anyway.

“However, I had already talked to him, he was tired after having played many games, with his national team too. He needed a break to start again. He remains the Juventus starter."

The Juventus coach was pleased with his side's performance.

“We threw points away against Benevento and in other games. But when you work as we did for the entire game, you reap the rewards of your hard work.

“Cristiano Ronaldo helped the team too, he tracked back and had the right attitude."