Juventus brushed aside Serie C side Novara 5-0 in a preseason friendly played yesterday, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring first, Aaron Ramsey and Marko Pjaca adding one each and Manolo Portanova grabbing a brace later.
Speaking to the media after the game, coach Andrea Pirlo talked about some of the tactical nuances we saw on the pitch.
“We are trying various solutions. In the first half, we played with four at the back, it becomes three in the different phases.
“In the second half, we stayed with three, preparing different solutions.”
One of the things Pirlo has been stressing since his appointment is enthusiasm from the players.
“The team must have it [enthusiasm], the lads are getting used to the new type of work, they have fun.”
He also added that the Bianconeri need to replace Gonzalo Higuain as a matter of importance.
“I need an attacker as soon as possible, but the market is long, it will last until the start of October, we have time to work.”
Pirlo was relieved to see Cristiano Ronaldo fit after his exploits for Portugal during the international break where he scored twice to make it to 101 goals for his country.
“Ronaldo is fine, he showed it today and in the national team. He moves with ease.”
It is not final yet whether there will be crowds in the stadium or not for the game.
“The hope of having them already on Sunday is still there, at least for a part of the stadium. We need them, but so does all of Italian and European football.”
As far as the performance and the result yesterday, Pirlo was not unhappy with what he had seen.
“I’m satisfied, we only had two days to train all together. The lads are committed, which was the most important thing.”
Regarding the expectations of him. Pirlo is very clear about what is required of the Juventus coach.
“I’m the Juventus coach, it’s normal that anyone who comes here must win. I know I have to win, it was like that as a player and it will be like that as a coach.”
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SERIE A