Ronaldo debut to be overshadowed
BRIDGE DISASTER: NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING IN ITALY
Sampdoria, Genoa matches postponed in light of tragedy.
Cristiano Ronaldo will make his much-anticipated Serie A debut for champions Juventus who open their campaign for an eighth straight Italian league title today against a sombre backdrop of a country in mourning following the Genoa bridge disaster.
It could be a low-key start for the 33-year-old Portuguese superstar against minnows Chievo in Verona today on a day of national mourning for the victims of the Morandi bridge tragedy in the north-western port city.
The emotional impact of the disaster has led to the postponement of Serie A games involving local teams Sampdoria and Genoa who had been due to open their campaigns against Fiorentina and AC Milan.
But all other games will go ahead starting today – the day of the 38 victims’ funerals – with last season’s top two teams Juventus and Napoli in action.
A minute’s silence will be held before each match with the players taking to the pitch wearing black armbands.
Much is expected of Ronaldo’s presence in the Italian league this season after the low of Italy missing out on qualifying for the World Cup in Russia.
As Ronaldo takes centre stage at his new team the surprise could be in defence with Andrea Barzagli and new signing Joao Cancelo vying for the role of rightback.
World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi has just returned to action, and coach Massimiliano Allegri could play new midfield signing Emre Can and Khedira alongside Miralem Pjanic and Juan Cuadrado.
Napoli turn back to their quest for a first title since the days of Argentine star Diego Maradona in 1987 and 1990 after pushing Juventus to the line last season.
After claiming a record 91 points for a league runner-up, Maurizio Sarri left for Chelsea with Italian Carlo Ancelotti making his return to Serie A for the first time in nearly a decade.
The much-travelled Italian arrives in Naples boasting three Champions League trophies from his spells with AC Milan and Real Madrid, and a Premier League title from his two-year stint at Chelsea.
Eusebio di Francesco’s Roma – third last season – travel to Torino with Inter Milan, who also qualified for the Champions League visiting Sassuolo tomorrow. –