Juventus news: Maurizio Sarri could return to the dugout for crucial Napoli clash

The Italian missed Juventus’ first game against Parma after a bout of pneumonia

Harry Latham-Coyle
Friday 30 August 2019 13:36 EDT
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Maurizio Sarri could be back in the Juventus dugout for Saturday’s game against his old club Napoli, his assistant has revealed.

Giovanni Martusciello has suggested that Sarri, who has been suffering from pneumonia, may be back alongside him on the touchline for Saturday’s clash, and has been overseeing training.

Martusciello told juventus.com: “Sarri has always been present at Continassa (Juventus’ training base), he’s good.

“We have the final preparation in the afternoon and then we’ll see if he’s able to make tomorrow.”

Sarri missed Juventus’ season opener against Parma. A goal from Giorgio Chiellini took the Italian champions to a 1-0 win as none of Juventus’ summer signings started.

The Turin-based club won Serie A last season with an 11-point margin, but Sarri’s Napoli came within four points of the Old Lady the season prior, and Martusciello underlined how crucial a contest this could be.

“Tomorrow evening’s match will be a special match and there will be many particular emotions, on a personal and professional level,” he said.

“Our objective is to win, therefore it is crucial that everyone is on the same page.”

“Tomorrow is an important match for us, for them and for the world of football.”

Napoli manager Carlo Ancelotti believes this game could be something of a gauge for their title aspirations this season after they got off the mark with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Fiorentina.

“It will give us a good idea of where we stand,” Ancelotti told the club website. “We’re playing the title favourites and we know how good Juventus are, but we feel confident.”

Juventus are expected to leave Aaron Ramsey out of the squad again as he continues to build fitness after spending the summer recovering from injury.

The former Arsenal midfielder pulled out of the Wales squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers this week.

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