Red cards have rained on Italian champions Juventus
lately, but hardly dented their morale as they top the Italian Serie
A and enjoyed a positive start in the Champions League.
The Bianconeri had Brazilian winger Douglas Costa banned for four
domestic games after he clashed with and spat at an opponent last
Sunday - a sentence the club decided not to appeal.
And a debatable red card was given Wednesday to star Cristiano
Ronaldo, his first in 154 Champions League appearances, as Juve still
won 2-0 at Valencia.
"He was upset and he needs time to calm down," Juve boss Massimiliano
Allegri said about Ronaldo. "He needs to rise above it and focus on
Sunday, even if these things leave a bitter taste in the mouth."
The striker, who in July transferred from Real Madrid, broke the ice
with a brace in last weekend's 2-1 defeat of Sassuolo, and will seek
more goals at promoted Frosinone.
But Costa, who is possibly Allegri's best assist provider, will be
out also for the big match with Napoli on September 29, and on top of
it injured himself in Valencia.
"He's picked up an adductor injury from virtually his first sprint,"
Allegri said. "Unfortunately I was expecting this because the last
few days have been draining for him mentally."
The elite tournament brought little joy to Napoli, sitting three
points behind Juve, who lead with 12 maximum points.
They drew 0-0 at Red Star Belgrade Tuesday, which disappointed new
coach Carlo Ancelotti as it mirrored previous domestic outings.
"It's a draw that leaves a bitter taste," Ancelotti said. "There's no
reason to get dramatic, but I think our approach to the game was
right from a mental standpoint, but we weren't quick enough and we
spent too much time building our attacks, and that cost us."
The Neapolitans open the Sunday programme at Torino, ahead of Inter
Milan's visit at Sampdoria.
Inter hope that their 2-1 Champions League win against Tottenham,
marked by the first season goal of captain Mauro Icardi, signals a
change of pace as they lag behind on four points. AC Milan and
Atalanta, also on four, meet for a regional derby the following day.
Humble Spal sit second, ahead of Napoli on goal difference, when they
visit Fiorentina Saturday after Parma v Cagliari.
Sassuolo and Empoli open matchday five Friday. Sunday action sees
Roma visit Bologna after a 3-0 crash at European champions Real
Madrid, while Chievo host Udinese and Lazio entertain Genoa.