Cristiano Ronaldo admits to anxiety before first Juventus goals
- by Grant Boone
- in Sports
- — Sep 18, 2018
But in today's clash, it took the striker only 15 minutes to get his brace in the clash which ended 2 - 1 in favour of Juventus. I was ugly, I am aware and I apologize to everyone for it. "I'd like to emphasise that this isolated incident does not correspond with what I have always shown throughout my career".
Cristiano Ronaldo is sure to break his scoring duck Sunday against Sassuolo, Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri insisted as he backed the Portuguese star to win the Federation Internationale de Football Association world player of the year award.
Although it would appear that Costa could be facing a lengthy ban, few are convinced such an outcome is likely.
"The only thing we have to avoid doing this year is rising to the provocation".
The Portuguese added another in the 65th minute when he finished off a counter-attack by drilling a low-angled shot beyond Andrea Consigli and into the far corner with his left foot.
Brazilian winger Costa already looked to have lost his composure after aiming an elbow and a headbutt moments earlier but the worst was to come as he spat directly at Di Francesco from inches away.
"We could have scored a third goal, but instead we started to play as individuals, we tried to dribble past everyone, this wound up the opposition, who then reacted badly and then you get situations like Douglas Costa", said Allegri.
Max Allegri's squad must now focus on the Champions League as it travels to Spain to face Valencia on Wednesday.
Ronaldo skipped Portugal's Nations League win over Italy to focus on his new club after failing to score in their opening three Serie A games.
Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their first goal against Sassuolo in Turin September 16, 2018.
"I'm happy. I worked hard and I knew that the goals would come", said Ronaldo.
The first goal was a gift as a Sassuolo defender headed the ball onto the post and the rebound landed right at Ronaldo's feet, leaving him with the easiest of tap-ins.
