Sarri: 'Dybala is world class'

By Football Italia staff

Maurizio Sarri confessed Paulo Dybala “is making the difference” for Juventus right now after a hard-fought win over Atletico Madrid.

The Bianconeri only needed a draw this evening to lock down the top spot in their group, but took all three points thanks to a magnificent Dybala free kick from the tightest of angles.

“We used up a lot of energy this evening, as is inevitable in the Champions League. I think we did very well, but like the Atalanta match at the weekend, we had to fight very hard to achieve the victory,” Sarri told Sky Sport Italia.

“It was above all a great first half and we built on that. We tend to struggle more in Serie A to pass it around quickly. Perhaps there is more motivation for us in the Champions League, but that is a mistake, because we have to play this style of football in every tournament.

“I was angry in the second half, as we gave the ball away cheaply. The sensation was that, just like Atalanta, we allowed them to cross too much. Maybe we need to improve the intensity with which we close down these crosses and passes in wide areas.”

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the side and played all 90 minutes, so has the knee problem been resolved?

“I haven’t spoken to him yet about the pain in his knee, but he looked to be in good shape, as in the final stages he was tracking back, fighting hard and helping out in defence.

“Dybala is world class, in a very positive period of form, so right now he is making the difference.”

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