Sarri: Juve played at a high level

Juventus beat Udinese 3-1 in a strong effort pushing the Bianconeri back to the top of the table, at least until Inter Milan play at Fiorentina later today.

Manager Maurizio Sarri was satisfied with the performance, and even happier with how his trident of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala did in their first start of the season together.

“It’s the first time that we’ve managed to really attack the game after a Champions League fixture. We played at a high level for a good 60 minutes.

“At this moment, those three are in good shape and we were facing an Udinese side that doesn’t really keep possession, they like to try long balls.

“I therefore thought this was a situation where we could afford to have them. As soon as Udinese starting passing it around more, we struggled, so it is a valuable option for us, but one we cannot use all the time.

“Our forwards also worked hard to help the defence and press the opposition for the first 60 minutes. In attack, they did what I asked, which was quick exchanges and passing.”

Juve played differently today with Udinese not necessarily looking to control the ball, unlike the midweek Champions League game at Bayer Leverkusen.

“If we are in a game where the opposition will have 50-50 possession, then it becomes more complicated. They were very organised and focused today.

“With Bayer Leverkusen, I saw they were getting tired and struggling to keep up the intensity, so I introduced the trident for that reason. Udinese play in a different way, they are not so focused on passing.”

So with the trident so effective today, would Sarri go back to Federico Bernardeschi again?

“I’ve been criticised after making a substitution that proved decisive for a victory, so frankly I never know what to expect.”

Social media was abuzz recently with a picture of Sarri as a player, looking a lot like former great Antonio Cabrini.

“I was a much worse player and much less famous than Cabrini, but I was fairly pretty!”