How significant is Pirlo’s decision?
Juventus have to win in order to keep their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League alive. Pirlo knows a victory in Bologna may not be enough.
Nevertheless, he has decided to leave Ronaldo out of his starting XI. The Portuguese is assured of winning his first scoring crown in Italy but you’d expect him to start Juventus’ final game, particularly when so much is riding on it and how firm the player’s own desire is to play Champions League football next season.
Ronaldo is not carrying an injury and although the decision to leave him on the bench was apparently mutual and informed by the fatigue accumulated in recent games, it only increases speculation around the 36-year-old’s future.
What is the state of play going into the final match?
Juventus go into the Bologna game fifth in the table, one point behind Napoli and AC Milan, with Milan in third-place due to their superior head-to-head record over their Naples rivals.
Due to their inferior head-to-head records against Milan and Napoli, Pirlo’s side know they have to beat Bologna to have a chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League and hope that either Milan or Napoli slip up.
Milan face a difficult match as they travel to second-placed Atalanta, while Napoli host mid-table Hellas Verona who have nothing left to play for.
How has Ronaldo played this season?
The Portugal international has had yet another fruitful season in front of goal, scoring 35 times in 42 appearances in all competitions, but has been unable to inspire Juventus to much success.
Despite his goals, Ronaldo has also been a frequent target of the Italian press this season and was last week criticised for missing a Juventus training session to collect a new sports car.
Why has this season been a struggle for Juventus?
Despite previous success, this season has been difficult for both Ronaldo and Juventus.
They still have yet to win the coveted Champions League, and were embarrassingly knocked out at the round of 16 stage to Porto in this season’s competition.
Appointing Andrea Pirlo as manager has not worked and Juventus are at risk of failing to even qualify for the Champions League next season as they have surrendered their Serie A title with barely a whimper to Inter Milan.
(Photo: Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
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