MILAN, Feb 16, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo set up Paulo Dybala to
score early and added one himself with defender Leonardo Bonucci also on
target as Juventus surged 14 points clear in Serie A on Friday with a 3-0 win
over lowly Frosinone.
Coach Massimiliano Allegri was taking no chances, even against a side
sitting second bottom of the table, ahead of next week’s Champions League
last 16, first-leg tie at Atletico Madrid.
Dybala returned to the front line alongside Ronaldo and Mario Mandzukic
with key defenders Bonnucci and Giorgio Chiellini both back from injury.
“The team is growing in terms of fitness, it’s a decisive moment for the
season,” said Allegri.
Juventus are building towards next week’s game in Madrid and a top-of-the
table clash against Napoli in the San Paolo Stadium on March 3.
“We struggled a bit after the winter break but now we are ready to face
this important moment of the season both in the championship and the
Champions League,” added Allegri.
Juventus remain unbeaten this season but the reigning seven-time league
champions had been held 3-3 by Parma two weeks ago.
Bonucci returned after three weeks out with an ankle injury along with
captain Chiellini who limped off during their shock Coppa Italia exit on
January 30.
Ronaldo set up Dybala to rifle in with his left foot after just six minutes
in Turin as the Argentina forward, who has been overshadowed since the
arrival of the former Real Madrid player, scored his first league goal since
November 3.
Ten minutes later Bonucci broke through after a desperate goalmouth
scramble.
Frosinone goalkeeper Marco Sportiello denied Mandzukic’s diving header with
Bonucci in place to turn the rebound into goal.
Ronaldo slotted in his 19th Serie A goal and 21st in all competitions on 62
minutes with Rodrigo Bentancur crossing for Mandzukic who provided the assist
for the Portuguese striker.
Ronaldo was then replaced by Federico Bernardeschi with the tie against
Atletico in mind, with Sportiello denying Juventus a fourth goal keeping out
a powerful Bernardeschi free kick.
“I’m happy for Paulo, he scored a good goal and that’s what strikers live
for,” said Allegri.
“The game against Atletico Madrid will be very different. It’s crucial that
we get a goal there, otherwise qualification would be rather difficult to
achieve.
“But this team is growing, we are even better than the first weeks (of the
season).”
AC Milan, in fourth, travel to Atalanta, one place below in fifth, on
Saturday in a battle for Champions League football next season.
Napoli host Torino on Sunday, with Inter Milan, in third, hosting ninth-
placed Sampdoria.
Roma play relegation threatened Bologna on Monday after winning their
Champions League last 16, first-leg tie against Porto 2-1.