Maurizio Sarri explains how Cristiano Ronaldo will fit into new Juventus system

The former Chelsea boss was forced to rethink his side for the clash at the Stadio Mario Rigamonti, with the Portuguese superstar omitted due to an abductor injury.

The loss of the Old Lady’s talisman led last year’s Europa League-winning manager to switch system from Juventus’ usual 4-3-3 to a 4-3-1-2, with the forwards playing in a narrower formation.

Ex-Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey took up the No10 role behind the strike pairing of Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain, with a trio of Adrien Rabiot, Miralem Pjanic and Sami Khedira providing the steel in midfield.

The reshuffle did not seem to have the desired affect however, as the hosts took the lead in the fourth minute thanks to a fierce Alfredo Donnarumma strike.

Luckily for Italy’s most decorated club, a Jhon Chancellor own goal minutes before the interval brought them back into the clash, with a sweetly-struck Pjanic volley wrapping up all three points just after the hour.

After the victory, Sarri admitted that the 4-3-1-2 system may well be utilised again this season as a result of Juventus’ long injury list, despite the unconvincing away win.

He said: “I think we need to be ready for both tactics right now.

“We have some problems with the full-backs and a lot of attacking midfielders, so it seems wise to make the most of the resources at our disposal.

“If, later in the season, our full-backs are all in great shape, then we can reconsider the approach, but it’s important to be prepared for all scenarios.

“I had already been thinking about introducing Juan Cuadrado for the second half at right-back, but it was rushed by Danilo’s injury this evening.”

And the boss is convinced Cristiano Ronaldo will also be able to slot into the system once he has returned from his injury layoff.

He said: “I think we can play this way with Cristiano as well.

“He likes to start from a slightly off-centre position, and this is what this particular system of play requires.

“The two forwards are not just central forwards here, they should be moving fluidly between the full backs and the centre backs of the opposition.

“So I think we can also do this with Cristiano in the side.”

source: express.co.uk