Nedved: 'Dybala changed mentality'

By Football Italia staff

Pavel Nedved praised Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala and Miralem Pjanic as Juventus host Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

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The last time these sides met in Turin, Juve had lost the first leg 2-0 in the Round of 16, putting in an extraordinary performance to win 3-0 with Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick.

“I think it is the same feeling for us this season, as we might not be challenging for qualification, but we do want to win the group, so it’s the same level of focus,” Nedved told Sky Sport Italia.

Ronaldo returns to the Juve side for the first time since he stormed off when substituted early by Maurizio Sarri.

“I understand all too well that a player can be angry when he is substituted, as he wants to do well. We all understood it, he came back from Portugal with four goals and hope he can keep that up with more tonight.”

Sarri left Gonzalo Higuain on the bench this evening, starting Dybala with Ronaldo.

“I would never want to be a coach, because choosing between these champions is so tough. Both Paulo and Pipa are in great shape, but I think it was perhaps above all a tactical decision, leaving the option to bring in something different for the second half.

“Dybala is doing great things this season, you can perhaps see the difference more from last term. He played below expectations last season, but has changed completely and it is above all a change of his mentality. It was all him and I am pleased because he can still get stronger.

“I want to credit Miralem Pjanic, as he is consistent, but has also grown steadily in every area as a player.”

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