Ronaldo ‘looks fired up’ after red card misery
Cristiano Ronaldo has been backed to put his Uefa Champions League red card behind him when Juventus face Frosinone in Serie today.
Ronaldo was sent off on his European debut for the Old Lady after appearing to put his hand on the head of Valencia defender Jeison Murillo, provoking an emotional response from the disconsolate Portugal forward.
Juventus went on to win 2-0 but they will not find out until Uefa examines the incident on September 27 whether they will be without their summer signing from Real Madrid for more than one match.
He is available for Sunday’s trip to Frosinone, however, with teammate Alex Sandro convinced he has already recovered from the setback.
“Cristiano looks really fired up,” Sandro told Sky Sport Italia. “He’s a highly experienced player and he knows that what happened in Spain is in the past now. He’s already looking forward.
“Cristiano has brought lots of qualities to the team. I’m getting to know him, learning the sort of runs he makes and how he likes to receive the ball.
“In time, I’ll be able to provide him with a fair few assists.”
Brazil left-back Sandro, part of possibly the meanest defence in Europe, insists concentration is the key to toppling Frosinone.
“It’s all in the head. We have to stay focused on the task at hand - that’s the only way forward if we want to secure another win in the league,” he said.
“This could be an excellent season both for me personally and as a team. I have a good feeling but I know I have to keep improving.”
Juventus are missing Douglas Costa for their third match in seven days due to suspension and injury.
Costa had already been banned for four Serie A matches after spitting at Sassuolo striker Federico Di Francesco, but the Brazilian winger also suffered ankle and groin problems against Valencia that will keep him out for a month.
Frosinone sit second from bottom in the Serie A table after three defeats and a draw in their four matches so far.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Napoli travel to Torino in the early kick off (2.30pm) while the afternoon matches sees struggling Roma make the trip to Bologna, Lazio host Genoa and Chievo take on Udinese before AC Milan face Atalanta.