Sarri: Squad rotation is important

Juventus put in a much more coherent performance and saw off SPAL earlier today, winning 2-0 with goals from Miralem Pjanic and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Speaking after the game, manager Maurizio Sarri was not displeased by how the game had gone.

“We had a few difficulties finding the right tempo in the opening stages, especially as SPAL were so clammed up. It wasn’t the tempo of the players as the ball, we moved the ball too slowly and there wasn’t enough movement off the ball.

“It was better in the second half, we created many chances and conceded very few. I was very happy with Blaise Matuidi’s performance in this new left-back role and also pleased with the determination shown by the players who came off the bench.

“Squad rotation is important, but so is the fact Emre Can came on with that attitude and determination after his great disappointment (of not being in the Champions League squad). He can be a very useful player for us this season.”

Pjanic is getting closer to the 150 passes per game that Sarri had in mind for him during the pre-season, with 124 touches today to go with the opening goal.

“I told him he needs another 25 to meet the promise! Pjanic is improving a great deal in the number of touches and the vertical passes he is coming out with.”

Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala started together in a rare occurrence.

“Against Verona, I think we didn’t play well and Hellas did very well. We were different at Brescia, showed more character, more quality in our passing and many more chances.

“Dybala gives us quality and more solutions going forward. Cristiano Ronaldo was lively today and created four or five scoring opportunities, while Gonzalo Higuain has been doing well this season.

“It’s good to have three forwards where any combination you choose, you can’t really go wrong.”

Next weekend brings the Derby D’Italia with Inter Milan winning again today.

“I haven’t actually watched any Inter games this season, as we’ve focused mainly on the teams we are facing next. Tonight, we’ll watch a couple of Bayer Leverkusen matches and then go to dinner.

“I hear that Inter are playing very well, I had no doubt they would considering the quality of the Coach and their players. I always said this would be a far more balanced season.”