CRISTIANO RONALDO and Aaron Ramsey both scored in Juventus’ pre-season win – but Andrea Pirlo still declared: “I need a striker.”
Ronaldo, 35, opened the scoring with 20 minutes on the clock as Juve thumped Novara 5-0 on Sunday morning.
Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for Juventus in their 5-0 pre-season friendly win over NovaraCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Portugal hero played a neat one-two on the edge of the area before sticking into the bottom corner emphatically.
Ramsey made it two 11 minutes after half-time.
Douglas Costa dug out a cross from the corner of the box and picked out the Welshman at the back post who finished neatly.
He retweeted Juventus’ clip of the goal on social media and wrote: “Good to be back out there.”
Substitute Marko Pjaca added a third ten minutes later for Juventus, who wore their orange third kit.
And youngster Manolo Portanova, who also came off the bench, grabbed himself two goals in injury time to complete the rout.
But despite seeing his side stick five in, Pirlo is adamant he needs further recruits up front before the transfer window closes.
Asked about signing a new striker: “I need it as soon as possible but the transfer market closes on October 4 and there will be time to work on it.
Ronaldo is congratulated by Dejan Kulusevski and Aaron Ramsey after his strikeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Ramsey got himself on the scoresheet with a tidy finish at the back from Douglas Costa’s crossCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Manager Andrea Pirlo only pockets £1.6million-per-year after taking charge of the club
“I am satisfied, it was the first match with all the players available.
“It is the team that must have enthusiasm, it seems to me that they are getting used to the new type of work and are having fun. But the season will be long.”
Juventus continue to be linked with Barcelona striker Luis Suarez as well as Atletico Madrid man Alvaro Morata.
It is thought a two-year deal worth £12million is close to being agreed between Juventus and the Nou Camp giants for former Liverpool forward Suarez.
The Uruguay international must also take a ‘B1’ language exam in order to gain an Italian passport, which he is eligible for due to his wife being a citizen of the country.
If he gains an Italian passport, Suarez will arrive at Juventus as a replacement for Inter Miami-bound Gonzalo Higuain.
Cristiano Ronaldo stars in cheesy advert for pasta alongside Juventus team-mate Dybala
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
