Cristiano Ronaldo's gesture to Paulo Dybala shuts down rumours of tension at Juventus
What's the story?
Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo's latest in-game gesture towards teammate Paulo Dybala has proven that there is no reported feud or incompatibility between the two forwards.
In case you didn't know...
Rumours of incompatibility between Ronaldo and Dybala have been doing the rounds in recent weeks as the team saw boss Massimiliano Allegri dropping the Argentine from the squad during games.
Dybala infamously stormed off the touchline when Juventus were held to a 3-3 draw against Parma and he also started last night's game against Sassuolo on the bench as well.
The Argentine has since apologised for his behaviour and Allegri has insisted that the forward still has the same opportunities in the team.
The manager has explained his line-up decision to Sky Sport Italia yesterday, saying, "I compliment the team for a clean sheet, which is very important. We're in good shape."
"Ronaldo and Dybala can certainly play together and they will do, but we need everyone to work hard in order to keep the team balanced.
"It all depends on who you are playing against. If the opponents are really clammed up, you need to pass around them. If they leave gaps, you pass between the lines.
"Sassuolo have a strong midfield, so I had to balance my team that way."
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The heart of the matter
Ronaldo has dismissed all of these rumours after he scored his 20th goal for Juventus on Sunday, helping his side to an eleven-point lead in the Serie A table.
After making it 2-0, the Portuguese went on to seek Dybala on the bench and performed the Argentine's trademark celebration, by putting his hand over his face to replicate a mask.
The celebration is evidence of the supportive relationship between the teammates and appears to confirm that there is no bad blood between the two.
What's next?
Juventus will next face Frosinone in the Serie A on Saturday, after which they will shift their focus to the Champions League, where they are scheduled to face Atletico Madrid on February 21.