The Italian tactician was full of praise for his star duo, who once again impressed on Tuesday
Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala have learned to work together following their goalscoring displays, according to Juventus head coach Maurizio Sarri.
Ronaldo and Dybala both scored stunning individual goals as defending champions Juve stayed four points clear atop the Serie A table with a 3-1 win at Genoa.
There have been doubts over whether Ronaldo and Dybala are compatible in Juve’s starting XI, but the star duo starred on Tuesday.
Sarri hailed the pair post-match, telling Sky Sport Italia: “Something has changed in terms of movements, but they have learned to look for each other more often.
“They have realised that by benefitting from each other, both reap the rewards. It’s something I have noticed in training too.”
After a dominant first-half display failed to produce the goods, Dybala broke the deadlock in the 50th minute before Ronaldo made it 2-0 six minutes later with a thunderous long-range effort.
Juve substitute Douglas Costa then put the visitors out of sight with an equally impressive strike, while Andrea Pinamonti drilled in a 76th-minute consolation for Genoa.
Ronaldo equalled his tally from last season across all competitions with his 28th goal in 2019-20. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored 14 goals in 2020, more than any other Serie A player this year.
“In the first half he went for the shot five times, so it means he was doing more than he should,” Sarri said.
“Cristiano often plays to free himself to finish, but when he decides to move the ball quickly, he is the best of them all.
“Honestly, I was going to replace Dybala, then I chose Ronaldo, who has played many minutes. We discussed it over the last days, he knew that he would go off at 3-0 and he did it with serenity.”
“I think the team did well, even in the first half. We had clear chances, without conceding any,” Sarri said. “It was a good team effort and we scored three beautiful goals.
“The team have recovered well after the disappointment from the Coppa Italia, but it was only a matter of time before we were physically well.”
Miralem Pjanic was in Juve’s line-up after confirmation of his transfer to Barcelona at the end of the season, with Arthur moving in the opposite direction.
Pjanic played 74 minutes and Sarri added: “I haven’t even talked to Miralem these days. I often did it after the suspension, after the lockdown, because he had these 20 to 25 days in poor shape.
“We asked ourselves the reason and we tried to find the solution. It was a drop in the mental condition more than anything else. I’m sure he will do well in this period. I find him happy and calm. I have no worries.”
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