Juventus

Cristiano Ronaldo scored to help Juventus move to the top of Serie A after beating Sampdoria 2-1 at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Wednesday night.

Paulo Dybala opened the scoring for the Bianconeri, before Ronaldo found the net on the stroke of halftime after Gianluca Caprari, who was sent off for a second bookable offence late on, had equalised for the hosts.

The result means the Old Lady has gone above Inter Milan on goal difference ahead of Inter's meeting with Genoa on Saturday.

Juve's efforts to get forward were a little stunted in the early going, with Maurizio Sarri's players struggling to carry out his stylish, possession-based philosophy. The away side's best outlet proved to be left-back Alex Sandro, with one teasing cross from the Brazilian finding Ronaldo, but the latter couldn't direct his header.

Sandro's next delivery bore fruit for the Bianconeri when Dybala finished neatly from inside the box.

This Paulo Dybala one-timer is perfection 👏

Watch on ESPN+ ➡️ https://t.co/a0Z13y49gu pic.twitter.com/UYsh6p7tvX

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 18, 2019

😍 PAULO DYBALA WITH A BEAUTIFULLY CONTROLLED VOLLEY!

👌 A perfect cross-field ball from Alex Sandro is converted spectacularly by the Argentine

⚫⚪ Juve take the lead away to Sampdoria! pic.twitter.com/WxRvd3C5hR

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 18, 2019

Dybala, who now has seven goals to his credit in all competitions this season, has responded well to Sarri's arrival this summer. The Argentina international is benefiting from playing more like a classic No. 10, according to ESPN's Matteo Bonetti:

Paulo Dybala’s production when he’s a second striker or attacking midfielder is dramatically better than when he was hugging the touch line at times as a RW.

That and continuity are bringing back the best version of Dybala.

— Matteo Bonetti (@Bonetti) December 18, 2019

Sampdoria might have buckled, but missed chances from Gonzalo Higuain and Sandro gave the hosts hope of salvaging something. Hope looked like becoming reality when Caprari converted amid a melee in the area.

Building on the momentum provided by Caprari's goal proved difficult, though, and Juve answered decisively seconds before the break. Once again it was Sandro who made the difference, teasing another expert cross onto the head of Ronaldo.

In the process, the 34-year-old continued a prolific recent run:

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in 5 straight Juventus matches for the first time:

Sassuolo ⚽️
Lazio ⚽️
Leverkusen ⚽️
Udinese ⚽️⚽️
Sampdoria ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/FEtHruMQGg

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 18, 2019

💥 Cristiano Ronaldo puts Juve back in front with a TOWERING header before half time!

⬆ Look at how high he climbed for that one!

👍 And another brilliant cross from Alex Sandro for the assist! pic.twitter.com/aQl118qDZQ

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 18, 2019

The second half saw Juve continue to struggle for consistency in their play. Those struggles prompted Sarri to bring Aaron Ramsey off the bench, with the former Arsenal playmaker replacing Higuain, while Dybala moved further forward alongside Ronaldo.

Ramsey soon went close, but he dragged his effort wide as the match entered its final 15 minutes. Sampdoria's response was a narrow miss from creative forward Gaston Ramirez.

Jeison Murillo blazed over late on for the hosts, who were reduced to 10 men when Caprari was shown a second yellow card after bringing down Merih Demiral.

Ronaldo and Juve had ultimately done just enough to claim all three points and seize control of the title race.

   

What's Next?

Juve's next game is the Supercoppa Italiana final against Lazio in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. Meanwhile, Sampdoria won't return to league action until Monday, January 6 for an away game against AC Milan.

Cristiano Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, has said his client would have won a sixth Ballon d'Or had he stayed at Real Madrid but suggested he could retire at Juventus. 

Ronaldo moved to Juve in 2018, and that year's Ballon d'Or was subsequently won by former Madrid team-mate Luka Modric, while Barcelona's Lionel Messi claimed the 2019 award earlier in December, moving him one clear of Ronaldo's five.

Mendes said:

"Cristiano deserved to win the Ballon d'Or at least once in the last two years. If he had played at Real Madrid, he would have won it, but next year I think he can win it again.

"For me it is an injustice [that Cristiano hasn't won the Ballon d'Or]. He won the Nations League and he is a champion.

"But he knows what he should do, and then we will see what happens in 2020."

The agent added that Ronaldo "is the best player in the history of world football."

After Messi's victory on December 2, ABC (h/t Sky Sports) reported Ronaldo expressed a similar belief to his team-mates that both the 2018 and 2019 awards would have gone his way had he not swapped Madrid for Turin.

Ronaldo finished third in the voting this year:

The 2019 #BallondOr 🌟 pic.twitter.com/PqMuj1nNpx

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 2, 2019

It's not a position he is accustomed to finishing in:

This year was the first time Ronaldo finished outside the Ballon d'Or top two since 2010 😳 pic.twitter.com/PHjPSzrRtS

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 3, 2019

The 34-year-old won Serie A with Juventus last season and then the UEFA Nations League with Portugal.

As of December 2, he had notched 34 goals for club and country in 2019, as well as five assists.

His form for Juventus has come in fits and starts this year, though, whereas Messi has been consistently strong throughout. While the Ballon d'Or isn't just about numbers, the Argentinian had produced 46 goals and 18 assists for club and country this year on the day he was given the award.

Ronaldo perhaps wouldn't have been a deserved winner last year, either:

Was Ronaldo robbed last year? He won the Champions League, but did little in semis or final, and came third in La Liga in which he was poor for half the season. This idea a player deserves Ballon d’Or because of winning CL is highly flawed...

— Ben Hayward (@bghayward) December 2, 2019

After a poor start to this season for Maurizio Sarri's Juve, his domestic form has improved in recent weeks so he looks set to end 2019 on a high:

Five goals in his last four games.

Cristiano Ronaldo 💥 @brfootball pic.twitter.com/dnNZSNldJN

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 15, 2019

Ronaldo's deal with the Bianconeri runs until 2022. Asked if he might see out his career in Turin, Mendes told Calciomercato.com (h/t Football Italia): "Yes, he could do that. He has signed a contract. He is happy at Juventus, working under a great coach."

The Portuguese forward will be 37 by the time that contract expires.

He's still capable of making an impact at the top level, but because of his advancing years and the decline that comes with it, his chances of equalling Messi on six Ballons d'Or likely hinge on delivering the UEFA Champions League next year or UEFA Euro 2020.

Juventus returned to winning ways in Serie A on Sunday, beating Udinese 3-1. Cristiano Ronaldo bagged a brace in the easy win. 

The forward opened the scoring after nine minutes and doubled his tally later in the first half. Leonardo Bonucci added a third goal before the break, and Udinese got a consolation goal in injury time.

The Italian champions had dropped points in their last two Serie A outings, including their first loss of the season against Lazio on the previous matchday.

Merih Demiral got another start for the Bianconeri after his excellent midweek showing against Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League, keeping Matthijs de Ligt on the bench:

📝🎄 Our team is IN! ⚪⚫#JuveUdinese #FinoAllaFine #ForzaJuve pic.twitter.com/lVGhySx8pw

— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) December 15, 2019

Juventus came out firing, putting tremendous pressure on Udinese early. The visitors barely got out of their own half, and after good looks for Blaise Matuidi and Paulo Dybala, the Bianconeri efforts were rewarded after nine minutes.

Dybala took a long ball from Bonucci and chested it into the path of Ronaldo, who struck a well-placed finish.

Italian football expert David Amoyal thought the Portugal international is finding his groove after a difficult period:

Ronaldo with four goals in his last four games- he could be going on one of his signature runs

— David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) December 15, 2019

The Juventus onslaught continued, with Dybala producing a fine finish to seemingly double the lead, only for the goal to be taken away for hand-ball. Gonzalo Higuain also had a good shooting chance after a great pass from Ronaldo, but goalkeeper Juan Musso made a strong save.

Musso made another good stop on "Pipita" after 36 minutes, but momentum was building and Juventus got their second shortly after. Higuain turned provider, picking the right time to send a pass into Ronaldo's feet. The former Real Madrid man was remarkably effective in front of goal during the first half:

9’ ⚽
37’ ⚽

Two shots, two goals for Ronaldo ⚡ pic.twitter.com/jkWNIOQa3f

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 15, 2019

And Juventus weren't finished. Right on the edge of half-time, Demiral nodded a corner back across the box, and Bonucci was there to head the ball home via the cross bar.

At half-time, sports writer Carlo Garganese was in awe of what the hosts brought:

Ronaldo’s finishing today has been unreal. This is the first time this season Juventus have been free, energetic and enjoyable to watch. The first time we’ve really seen Sarri football. It’s only Udinese but the Dygualdo trident has been impressive. #JUVUDI

— Carlo Garganese (@carlogarganese) December 15, 2019

Udinese found more success after the break, with Rolando Mandragora going close, but most of the chances still fell to Juventus. Dybala clipped the cross bar six minutes into the half, putting a little too much air under his lob.

Gianluigi Buffon showed he still has plenty left in the tank at the age of 41, making a fantastic save to deny Kevin Lasagna after the Demiral-Bonucci pairing was finally beaten. Musso also showed his talent, stopping Dybala after some clever passing with Ronaldo.

Buffon continued his heroics in the 73th minute, again denying Lasagna. It was a historic afternoon for the veteran:

Gigi Buffon is playing his 700th career league game.

➖515 with Juventus
➖168 with Parma
➖17 with PSG

1995-2019. 👏 pic.twitter.com/bZumCn7sBB

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 15, 2019

Little went wrong for Juventus on Sunday, but there were some concerns after Bonucci went down with an apparent head injury. The defender played on for a bit, before being replaced by De Ligt. 

The Bianconeri easily played out the second half, but Ronaldo still managed to stand out, going close to a hat-trick with a strong shot and showing he's a good team-mate:

Cristiano Ronaldo refuses captain’s armband from Higuain. Instead passes it to Matuidi.

Lovely touch, positive signs from CR7.

— Adriano Del Monte (@adriandelmonte) December 15, 2019

The Portuguese star also hit the post in the final minutes, and Ignacio Pussetto got a consolation goal for the visitors in injury time, with a deflection giving him the space he needed in the box.

   

What's Next?

Juventus visit Sampdoria on Wednesday, while Udinese host Cagliari on Saturday.

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon hailed Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain as good "examples" after the team's UEFA Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday. 

The Italian champions were able to pull away from their opponents late in the game, with strikes from Ronaldo and Higuain enough to give Maurizio Sarri's team a 2-0 win. They qualified as winners of Group D, ahead of Atletico Madrid.

It was a professional performance from Sarri's side in Germany. Afterwards, Buffon said there were facets of the display that should give the team confidence moving forward, per Sky Sport Italia (h/t Tom Webber of Goal):

"If we face the games this way, I am sure we can all do great things. However, if we approach matches with a sense of snobbery, that becomes a problem. 

"It's a bad sign if you don't go into games with the right determination if you are 20, let alone in your 40s. I am glad that we had examples like Higuain and Ronaldo to lead the way in their performance, work ethic and show of sacrifice for the team."

Here are the highlights from the match at the BayArena, with the Bianconeri scuppering Leverkusen's qualification hopes:

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1204878368308711424

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1204882615213395969

Given Juventus had already qualified for the knockout stages of the competition before the match on Wednesday, Sarri could have rested key performers like Ronaldo and Higuain.

However, following on from their disappointing 3-1 loss to Lazio in Serie A on Saturday, it felt important Juventus got back to winning ways quickly. They did thanks to the razor-sharp finishing of their forwards and a strong defensive effort, including some big saves from Buffon.

The 41-year-old goalkeeper was in a relaxed mood ahead of the encounter in Germany:

Gigi Buffon is still a kid at heart 😂 https://t.co/7VngDHkfkL

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 11, 2019

Per OptaPaolo, it was a landmark night for the veteran goalkeeper:

41, 317 - 41 years and 317 days Gianluigi Buffon becomes today the second oldest player in a Champions League game, after Marco Ballotta (43 years, 252 days). History.

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) December 11, 2019

Displays like the one on Tuesday will give Juventus supporters hope that their team can make a deep run in the competition.

Not only are they capable of snuffing out vibrant attacking talent, in Ronaldo and Higuain they possess two of the most ruthless finishers in the competition. That means they will always be a goal threat.

Ronaldo has enjoyed the Champions League throughout his career:

Cristiano Ronaldo's record in the #UCL = 🔥🔥🔥

⚽️1⃣2⃣8⃣
👕1⃣6⃣8⃣

⚪️⚫️ @Cristiano 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/fJRQyJh1S5

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 11, 2019

Ronaldo, Higuain and substitute Paulo Dybala linked up well during the game:

Here’s my question. There’s no need to win against Bayer Leverkusen. Why not start Dybala, Ronaldo and Higuaín? Let them have fun. All three are on now since Berna is off and Ronaldo scored. From a Dybala assist.

— Mina Rzouki (@Minarzouki) December 11, 2019

Lovely Higuaín. Dybala providing again. All three need to play. They look good together

— Mina Rzouki (@Minarzouki) December 11, 2019

Domestically, Juventus have a fight on their hands to win Serie A this season, with Inter Milan two points ahead of the champions after 15 games.

Sarri will hope the competitive edge needed to win that tussle will keep the team sharp in the Champions League in the latter stages. If they are focused and in form, Juventus will be a challenging prospect for anyone in the last 16 and beyond.

Bayer Leverkusen had everything to play for on Wednesday night in front of their home supporters against Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus in Champions League action. 

Things didn't go their way, however, as goals from Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain gave Juve a 2-0 win.

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1204878368308711424

That result—combined with Atletico Madrid's corresponding 2-0 victory over Lokomotiv—eliminated Bayer from the competition.

The three points were meaningless for Juventus, which had already clinched the top spot in D and a place in the knockout round. They now await their next opponent as they attempt to win their third European title and first since 1996.

Beyond the two goals, most of the excitement came on near-misses. Bayer's Moussa Diaby almost struck an opening salvo in the 11th minute, smashing a rocket at goal from the edge of the box. He beat Gianluigi Buffon but he couldn't beat the post, and the game remained scoreless. 

Karim Bellarabi and Kai Havertz also had excellent chances to no avail for the home side in the opening 45 minutes.

That set the stage for Ronaldo, who appeared to have the game's first goal in the 51st minute after Federico Bernardeschi played him through on goal. Ronaldo finished from a tight angle, only to be ruled offside.

No matter—Juventus would get their goal, in part because Juventus fans were given the rare treat of seeing Paulo Dybala, Ronaldo and Higuain up top together after the crafty playmaker was subbed on in the 67th minute.

Here’s my question. There’s no need to win against Bayer Leverkusen. Why not start Dybala, Ronaldo and Higuaín? Let them have fun. All three are on now since Berna is off and Ronaldo scored. From a Dybala assist.

— Mina Rzouki (@Minarzouki) December 11, 2019

That proved fruitful, as Dybala assisted on both goals, first finding Ronaldo for an easy tap-in. Higuain added to Bayer Leverkusen's misery with a fantastic strike in the 92nd minute after a clever back-and-forth with Dybala.

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1204882615213395969

Lovely Higuaín. Dybala providing again. All three need to play. They look good together

— Mina Rzouki (@Minarzouki) December 11, 2019

And Leverkusen—always long shots to advance, even with a victory—were eliminated from the Champions League.

They didn't go down without some fight, holding 54 percent of possession and managing more shots overall (7-4), per Goal.com, albeit fewer on target than Juventus (1-2). But it wasn't enough, as Juventus head into the knockout phase on five wins and a draw in Group D play.

                        

What's Next?

Juventus face Udinese on Sunday at 9 a.m. ET, while Bayer play away to FC Koln on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri does not appear to be looking forward to the January transfer window and has said the transfer market "bores me to death."

The Italian told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Robin Bairner at Goal) that he will work hard to improve his team's fortunes after watching his side slip to their first Serie A defeat of the season on Saturday against Lazio.

"The transfer market is the last thing I want to do in life, it bores me to death. I like to do my job, which is to coach. I will work to find solutions."

"I was in the Premier League and the level was high. If I think about when I left Italy two years ago, there is now a better level. The smaller teams have a good technical level and are always fighting.

"Fortunately, our championship is improving. The thing that interests me now is to suffer less and to ensure that, come the final whistle, we have won our games."

Saturday's defeat leaves Juventus in second place in the table, two points behind leaders Inter Milan and only three ahead of Lazio in third.

Goal's Carlo Garganese said they look an old team:

Lazio 3-1 Juventus: Well deserved win for Lazio, who are first team to beat Juve this season. Sensational touch & finish by SMS on second goal. Juve were better until Bentancur injury but then fell away badly. This loss has been coming for weeks. They look an old team right now

— Carlo Garganese (@carlogarganese) December 7, 2019

The Italian champions also lost midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur to injury during the match. He has suffered a ligament problem and will be evaluated "day by day," according to the club's official website.

His absence comes at a bad time for the Bianconeri, who have a number of key players currently sidelined through injury and suspension:

https://twitter.com/IFTVofficial/status/1203703052705943552

There has been plenty of speculation that Juventus will attempt to strengthen when the transfer window reopens, and they have reportedly opened talks for Red Bull Salzburg striker Erling Braut Haaland:

Juventus have opened talks with Mino Raiola for Erling Braut Haaland, according to the Corriere dello Sport 😮

19 years old 👶
17 games ⚽
23 goals 🔥

Ready for the big time? 🤩 pic.twitter.com/wy9LiYOX1s

— GOAL (@goal) November 9, 2019

Juventus have also met Chelsea officials to discuss moves for Willian and Pedro, according to Tuttosport and Calciomercato (h/t Kieran Jackson for MailOnline). 

L'Equipe (h/t Konstantinos Lianos at the Daily Express) have also reported that Juventus are keeping tabs on former midfielder Paul Pogba, who is keen to leave Manchester United in January.

Meanwhile, Emre Can and Mario Mandzukic are expected to depart Turin this winter and could be joined by Daniele Rugani, according to Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia).

Sarri may not be a fan of the January transfer window, but it could be a busy time for the Italian champions as they look to get their squad into shape ahead of the second half of the season.

Cristiano Ronaldo was on target but could not prevent Juventus slipping to a first Serie A defeat of the season on Saturday, going down 3-1 to in-form Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.

The champions started the game strongly and took the lead on 25 minutes. Rodrigo Bentancur slid in a low cross for Ronaldo to slot past goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha.

Lazio equalised in stoppage time at the end of the first half, though, when Luiz Felipe powered Luis Alberto's cross past Wojciech Szczesny to send the two sides in at the break on level terms.

Juventus were reduced to 10 men midway through the second half. Juan Cuadrado was shown a straight red card for a cynical foul on Manuel Lazzari after a VAR check.

Lazio made the most of their man advantage and took the lead three minutes later. Alberto produced another fine delivery for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to latch on to and drill past Szczesny.

The Juventus goalkeeper saved a penalty from Immobile in the closing stages to keep his side in the contest, but substitute Felipe Caicedo finished the champions off in stoppage time.

The two sides played out a frantic first half that saw chances at both ends of the pitch. Immobile had an early effort deflected over the crossbar by Matthijs de Ligt, while Lazio needed Strakosha to parry a swerving Paulo Dybala shot clear on nine minutes.

The fast pace was unrelenting and allowed Juventus to carve Lazio open for the first goal. Dybala sent Bentancur in behind the Lazio defence, and his perfectly weighted cross was converted by Ronaldo.

Football pundit Mina Rzouki was impressed with Juve in the early stages:

Something happens in big matches for Juve. Somehow they just remember how to play well. They’ll bore you to death against the ‘smaller’ sides but apply some pressure and they entertain. Ronaldo playing like a star again helps too! Juve 1-0 Lazio.

— Mina Rzouki (@Minarzouki) December 7, 2019

Lazio hit back and claimed for a penalty when Immobile went to ground just inside the penalty area under pressure from Cuadrado but saw their appeals waved away. Immobile also sliced a volley wide at the far post from a Manuel Lazzari delivery.

The two players combined again shortly before half-time. Immobile made a good run to connect with Lazzari's cross but could only direct a tame effort straight at Szczesny. 

Juventus were still a threat at the other end. Ronaldo came close to a second goal after good work from Federico Bernardeschi. He got to the byline and stood up a cross for Ronaldo to plant a header goalwards that Strakosha just managed to push to safety.

The equaliser eventually arrived right on the stroke half-time, as Felipe glanced Alberto's whipped cross home:

Luiz Felipe deserves that goal for how good he has been in recent games.

Got to say Lazio deserved that too.

— Kaustubh Pandey (@Kaus_Pandey17) December 7, 2019

The second half was a far tighter affair until Juventus were reduced to 10 men on 69 minutes. Cuadrado brought down Lazzari, after he had knocked the ball past him, and was originally shown a yellow card.

However, the booking was upgraded to a straight red after a VAR check.

Football writer Adam Digby said it was a good call:

Clumsy from Cuadrado. Completely mistimed his tackle, got to say that's a good decision & good use of VAR from the officials #LazioJuve

— Adam Digby (@Adz77) December 7, 2019

Lazio capitalised on the sending off and went ahead through a moment of real quality from Milinkovic-Savic.

Luis Alberto picked up his second assist of the night with a chipped pass that the midfielder controlled with his right foot and finished with his left (video UK only):

🔵 AND LAZIO TAKE THEIR OPPORTUNITY!

👏 Sergej Milinković-Savić with an outstanding run, touch, and finish

🕒 Inzaghi's team are now a goal up and a man up with 15 minutes remaining pic.twitter.com/VA6UPPEU28

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 7, 2019

Lazio ought to have made it 3-1 from the penalty spot after Szczesny was penalised for a trip on Correa, but the goalkeeper quickly made amends with a brilliant double stop.

But it was an absolutely astonishing double save from Szczesny

— Mina Rzouki (@Minarzouki) December 7, 2019

The goalkeeper guessed the right way to save Immobile's penalty and was then up quickly to deny the striker again on the follow-up:

However, Szczesny could do nothing to prevent Lazio sealing all three points late on. The Pole managed to parry Lazzari's initial shot but was powerless to prevent Caicedo firing home the hosts' third.

The result hands manager Maurizio Sarri a first defeat as Bianconeri coach and sees Lazio moves three points behind Juventus and just five behind leaders Inter Milan.

              

What's Next?

Juventus conclude their UEFA Champions League group-stage campaign on Wednesday at Bayer Leverksen with qualification already assured. Lazio travel to France to play Rennes in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.

Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici has dismissed suggestions Cristiano Ronaldo can no longer compete with the best players in the world.

Ronaldo finished in third place in the 2019 Ballon d'Or voting, behind winner Lionel Messi and runner-up Virgil van Dijk. The Portuguese didn't attend the ceremony, instead heading to the Gran Gala del Calcio in Milan, where he picked up an accolade for being the best player in Serie A.

Ronaldo has struggled for his best form of late, netting one goal in his last five games. Paratici told Tuttosport (h/t Stephen Creek of Goal) the forward will get back to his best soon: "Cristiano finished? Don't make me laugh. Ronaldo had a knee problem that didn't allow him to perform at his best, but now he's coming back stronger than before."

Paratici also thought Ronaldo deserved the Ballon d'Or after his performances last season and that he should have beaten Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric to the prize in 2018, too:

"For me, Ronaldo also deserved it last season, where he scored [13] goals in the Champions League, many of which were decisive. Ronaldo also deserved the Ballon d'Or this season. He is a competitive animal. We have made a good investment with him, he has improved all of us.

"We must accept his hunger, it is what distinguishes him from others. Will he remain with Juventus? Of course"

Paratici is not the first big name at Juventus to back the striker, with star defender Giorgio Chiellini saying he believes Ronaldo should have won more individual accolades in his distinguished career:

Chiellini thinks Ronaldo should have six Ballon d'Ors already ... pic.twitter.com/oi7C3CXbjc

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 3, 2019

Messi, who has long been considered the best player in the world alongside Ronaldo, said he was keen to break the deadlock he and the Portuguese previously shared in terms of Ballon d'Or wins:

Lionel Messi: "It hurt me a bit when Cristiano Ronaldo joined me on 5 Ballon d'Ors. I was no longer alone at the summit." (FF) https://t.co/Xq39rNPhUz

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) December 3, 2019

Ronaldo has been regularly in the running for these prizes, but he will need to improve his form significantly if he's to be a serious contender for the award next year.

Not only is the 34-year-old failing to find the back of the net with his trademark regularity at the moment, Juventus sit in second place in the table behind Antonio Conte's Inter Milan.

Ronaldo will still be confident of making a big impression in 2020, and he's often reserved his best for the second half of seasons.

Not only will he be out to help Juventus win Serie A and the UEFA Champions League, Portugal will be defending their UEFA European Championship in the summer; Ronaldo was an inspirational figure when the Selecao won their first major title four years ago.  

Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira will be unavailable for three months after he underwent surgery on his left knee. 

The club released a statement confirming the 32-year-old travelled to Augsburg, Germany, to undergo an "arthroscopic cleaning," and he isn't likely to return until February or March.

Sky Sports said Khedira underwent a similar operation on his right knee in April, a procedure that sidelined him for 10 weeks.

Khedira has established himself as a regular under Maurizio Sarri and made 17 appearances in all competitions to already match his total from an injury-hit 2018-19 campaign.

Football writer Carlo Garganese recently highlighted the Juventus midfield as a weak point for Sarri and a reason why the team may miss out on this season's Serie A title:

All true, especially regarding the midfield...which is why Inter really do have a chance this season. Sarri doesn’t have the players naturally suited to has game

— Carlo Garganese (@carlogarganese) December 1, 2019

The Bianconeri have won the past eight Scudetti in succession, but a 2-2 draw at home to Sassuolo on Sunday allowed Inter Milan to open a one-point gap at the top of Serie A.

Sunday's fixture was the first time Khedira has been omitted from a matchday squad this season, an indicator as to how important he's become to Sarri's plans since he arrived in Turin.

The Germany international has started 13 times as the primary anchor in a midfield three, mostly alongside Miralem Pjanic and Blaise Matuidi.

Broadcaster Deji Faremi and blogger Marco Messina each expressed concern earlier this season regarding how that midfield trio would cope:

I don't know how far that Juventus midfield trio of Matuidi - Pjanic - Khedira can go, but I reckon not very far.

— Deji Faremi (@deejayfaremi) September 18, 2019

Watching Juventus' midfield with Matuidi & Khedira trying to play possession based football is just a nightmare. Doesn't work

— Marco Messina (@IFTVMarco) September 18, 2019

Khedira's absence could provide a lifeline for compatriot Emre Can, who has been an outcast in Turin this season. 

Can made just his second league start of the campaign in the draw against Sassuolo; Juventus also drew 1-1 against Lecce in October when Can made his only other Serie A start of the term so far.

The former Liverpool man has made only six appearances in all competitions under Sarri, but his involvement promises to increase over the coming months, at least.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Aaron Ramsey could also benefit from Khedira's time out of the squad.

Khedira—who has a contract with Juventus that runs until 2021 (with the option of an additional year)—will return to the squad in early 2020 hoping the Bianconeri's trophy pursuits don't falter in his absence.

Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira will undergo surgery on Wednesday to fix a persistent problem with his left knee.

Per the club's official website, the German midfielder has struggled with the issue for some time, and a surgery to clean out his knee is planned in Augsburg.

Khedira joined the Italian champions from Real Madrid in 2015 and has proved to be a useful player for the Bianconeri in that time.

While he may no longer be a dynamic box-to-box presence in midfield, manager Maurizio Sarri has been able to depend on the German throughout his tenure. Khedira is experienced at the highest level and diligent in his play.

What he may now lack in dynamism he's made up for in astute utilisation of the ball and a growing composure. Khedira may not be a guaranteed starter for the Bianconeri, but his absence robs the manager of a consistent option, especially when it comes to important matches.

Sarri can at least comfort himself with the fact that he has depth in central-midfield positions.

Miralem Pjanic is a gifted playmaker, albeit not stylistically similar to Khedira. The manager has the likes of Blaise Matuidi, Aaron Ramsey, Adrien Rabiot, Emre Can and Rodrigo Bentancur available who can carry out similar jobs to Khedira, meaning Juventus should be capable of getting by without him.

Can got the start in the 2-2 draw against Sassuolo, but he disappointed and was substituted after 54 minutes. Per the Bianconeri report, Rabiot returned to full training on Tuesday, and he'll likely get the nod against Lazio on Saturday.