Andrea Pirlo

Juventus manager, Andrea Pirlo, has defended his decision to rest Cristiano Ronaldo after they were held to a 1-1 draw at Benevento on Saturday.

Alvaro Morata gave the Serie A champions the lead in the 21st minute, but the home side levelled in first-half stoppage time through Gaetano Letizia.

Juve failed to find a winner in the second half and remain in fifth place in the league table.

Pirlo’s side could go six points behind table-topping AC Milan if the Rossoneri win against Fiorentina on Sunday.

After the draw, Pirlo explained why he left Ronaldo out of his squad.

“He had a slight problem midweek and wanted to play in the Champions League anyway,” Pirlo told Sky Italia.

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“After international duty, it was natural he’d need some rest. Ronaldo is an added value, but we must try to play our game even in his absence.”