Serie A

ANDREA PIRLO has a new role for Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus as he looks to ditch ‘Sarriball’.
The boss has introduced a new “methodology” to help his players win the ball high up the pitch.

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Juventus appointed Andrea Pirlo to replace Maurizio Sarri in AugustCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Juventus adopted the Sarriball style of play last season – which is former boss Maurizio Sarri’s famed possession-based approach.
But the new Juventus manager has implemented a training regime to change his team’s approach.
Pirlo told JTV via Goal: “The aggression and the desire to win the ball back after losing it, that’s something we are working on a lot.
“Looking at the last Champions League, the teams that went all the way were the ones who were trying to recover the ball in the shortest possible time.

“That must be a characteristic that distinguishes us.
“We will give all of ourselves, we will certainly have a great desire to show the fans that Juventus want to win the 10th consecutive Scudetto and possibly reach the end of the Champions League.
“There’s a great desire and high expectations, but we are here, and we want to do our best.”
Pirlo insisted spirits are high in the Juventus camp – even with some players away on international duty.

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Cristiano Ronaldo looks set for a new role under Andrea PirloCredit: Getty Images – Getty

He continued: “The lads are eager to do well, they have found a new methodology with some new exercises they have never done and therefore this already brings enthusiasm.
“The path will be long, also because we don’t have a lot of time to work with many players who are away. But we are working well with those we have available.
“I hope I will have transmitted some concepts we are working on already for the first day and hope to find something in the middle of the pitch.”

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CHRIS Smalling is on the verge of sealing an £18million switch from Manchester United to Roma.
United were demanding £20million for the defender, but are likely to accept the £18million fee plus bonuses, according to Sky Sports Italy.

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Smalling has inpressed with his performances at Roma this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The deal seemed to be going nowhere as the Italian outfit were only willing to fork out £15million, which United rejected.
Roma were keen to retain Smalling’s services after his impressive year-loan stint with the club.
The 30-year-old revealed he was devastated to be leaving Roma and was willing to take a wage-cut to make the deal happen.
In an emotional post on his Instagram page, Smalling said: “I’m gutted that I can’t finish what we started this season.”

He made 30 appearances in Serie A, and his stellar performances earned him the title “Smalldini”, in reference to Italian legend Paolo Maldini.
Other Italian icons lined up to praise Smalling, with Franco Baresi saying: “I was not sure an English defender could get used to Italian football as it is so different to the Premier League. Smalling’s attitude and approach has been good.”
Smalling was sent out on loan after falling down the pecking order at United, behind Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has no objections to the move, as he plans to free up room in his squad for more new signings.

After splashing out on new midfield ace Donny van de Beek, United need to sell before making more signings as they aim to mount an assault for the title next season.
Although Smalling has his sights firmly set on Roma, if the deal does fall through Newcastle, Everton and West Ham are said to be interested in his signature.

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ARTURO VIDAL has been told that he will be able to leave Barcelona on a free as the club no longer require his services.
He will reportedly be allowed to leave on a free transfer as new Barca boss Ronald Koeman aims to cut the wage bill at the club.

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Vidal is on his way of the Nou Camp as the club overhauls its current squadCredit: EPA
It has been reported that Vidal’s exit will clear £8million from Barca’s payroll, according to Forbes.

Barcelona ace Vidal still has a year left on his contract, but Koeman would rather let him go now than keep him at the Nou Camp for another season.
Vidal’s departure along with several other older players in the squad, will make way for younger faces in the Barca first-team.
European giants PSG were eyeing up a move for Vidal, but Inter Milan have swooped in, and a move to the Serie A appears to be imminent.

His transfer to Milan is already considered to be a done deal, according to reports.
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claimed on air that, “It’s only a matter of time that Vidal signs for Inter.”
Di Marzio added that the only thing holding up the deal is for Vidal and Barca to mutually agree on the terms of the contract’s termination.
Inter have reached a personal agreement with Vidal said to be worth £5.3million per year, according to FootballESPANA.

Vidal has expressed his frustration at Barca’s reliance on its academy to produce new talent, and fears that his soon-to-be old club is in danger of getting left behind.
In a YouTube rant to Daniel Habif, Vidal said: “Barcelona have to change their way of thinking.
“Football has moved on a lot and the whole DNA thing is being left behind because other teams are improving in other aspects.
“The last three years are not what a team like Barcelona deserves.
“The best team in the world cannot have 13 professional players. You cannot always win with DNA.”

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