Pirlo explains decision to bench Ronaldo against Lazio

The Juventus boss left Ronaldo out of his line-up for the first time in 16 league games during Saturday’s showdown with Lazio.

Cristiano Ronaldo agreed with Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo to be benched for Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Lazio to give him a well-earned rest.

Pirlo has relied heavily on Ronaldo to supply the goods this season, with the Portuguese ace directly contributing towards 43% of Juventus’ 51 Serie A goals and topping the league’s goal charts as well.

Ahead of a crucial Champions League last-16 tie with Porto, however, Pirlo rested Ronaldo against Lazio to keep him fresh for Tuesday’s match, with Juventus needing to overcome a 2-1 aggregate deficit.

“He came from eight or nine consecutive games, we made an agreement during the week [for Ronaldo to be rested], it was already planned,” Pirlo told Sky Sport Italia.

“Cristiano is an added value, the boys have done what they had to do tonight without him. Cristiano has already scored 20 goals, it was normal that others also scored.”

Ronaldo did make a 21-minute cameo in the second-half against Lazio to replace Alvaro Morata, who scored two goals on the night.

Adrien Rabiot was the other goalscorer for Juventus to cancel out Joaquin Correa’s early opener and bag a big win for Pirlo’s men. They currently sit seven points behind Serie A leaders Inter Milan in third place in the standings.