It’s never easy to click straight back into gear after the international break


It was another game for Rodrigo Bentancur and another three points for Juve, with the Uruguayan looking as comfortable as ever at the heart of the Bianconeri midfield as goals by Cristiano Ronaldo and Mario Mandzukic got the job done against SPAL.

“I’m playing lots of games at the moment,” the 21-year-old said after Saturday’s 2-0 win. “I’m sorry that some of my team-mates are injured but I just try to make the most of the opportunities I’m given.

“It was important to win today and it’s never easy to click straight back into gear after the international break but that’s what we managed to do. We played well, kept hold of the ball and were tidy at the back.

“Now we’ll focus on Valencia. It’s a crucial match for us to qualify for the knock-out stage.”