‘Ronaldo is enjoying his football’ – Allegri praises exceptional Portugal star

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Max Allegri was “angry” when Juventus sat back and almost allowed 10-man Napoli back into the game, but assured the title race is wide open.

Dries Mertens had given the visitors a deserved early lead, but Mario Mandzukic’s brace turned it around and Leonardo Bonucci met a corner after Mario Rui’s red card for the 3-1 result.

The Bianconeri have won all eight of their competitive games this season and already move six points clear at the top of the Serie A table.

“We started a little tense, gave away too many balls and conceded the goal. Cristiano Ronaldo did well to create two or three promising situations,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“Once Napoli went down to 10 men, we stopped playing, and that made me angry. We ran a big risk on Jose Callejon’s chance and they could easily have equalised.

“Ronaldo is enjoying his football, he has integrated very well and he loves an assist as well as a goal. He had some exceptional passes tonight and it’s all about finding him in the right way.

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“I thought tonight and the first half-hour against Valencia represented his best performances of the season so far.

“We had created some good passing lines from midfield, Cristiano Ronaldo and Dybala playing between the lines with Mandzukic coming back to join them.

“We need to be sharper. Playing out from the back, we misplaced a pass and conceded a goal. I liked that the forwards helped out in midfield and defence.”

Allegri was asked if the Scudetto race for an eighth consecutive title might be too easy and make them complacent?

“Absolutely not. After this, we still have to play Inter, Milan, Roma and Fiorentina. We’ve got a six-point advantage, but it’s a very long season. Also, Serie A is always tough.”

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