The nine-time defending Serie A champions started their quest for an incredible tenth title on the bounce, with a 3-0 win over Sampdoria at the Allianz Stadium, with goals from Swedish youngster Dejan Kulusevski, Leonardo Bonucci and Ronaldo.
After the win, Pirlo was asked how he planned to use Ronaldo through the course of the season. The legendary former Italian midfielder said that it would be necessary to rest Ronaldo at different points during the season. Ronaldo himself does not like being relegated to the bench, but Pirlo said he would rest Ronaldo in the “less important games”.
“We are thinking about [how to use Ronaldo] and talked it over,” Pirlo told Sky Sport Italia.
“He’s not tired yet, as we just started, but when we come up to less important games, we’ll try to give him a rest.
“He’s a very intelligent guy who knows his body very well, so he is aware of when it’s time to rest or to step it up. When he will play depends on him.”
Pirlo explains team selections for opening game
Pirlo made some surprise decisions with his starting XI for the first game, with three youngsters being blooded straight in to the first XI. Kulusevski played alongside Ronaldo upfront, Weston McKennie started in the midfield, while Gianluca Frabotta started at left-back.
“Frabotta had a good game - Alex Sandro picked up an injury, so I chose the Under-23 lad who is training with us very well,” Pirlo said. “I didn’t consider it a risk at all to use him.
Juventus’ next fixture will come in Serie A against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on September 27.
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