Juventus are reportedly covering up a big problem between star striker Cristiano Ronaldo and manager Maurizio Sarri.
That is the opinion of former Serie A forward Antonio Cassano, who believes recent rumours of a rift between the pair hold some truth.
Ronaldo and Sarri were said to have been at loggerheads after the Juventus boss subbed the 34-year-old twice last month.
On one occasion Ronaldo headed straight down the tunnel to get changed, and was out of the stadium before the match had finished.
Cassano told Tiki Taka ( via Goal ): "I think Ronaldo has a big problem with Sarri.
“Everything started with two consecutive substitutions, which will irritate any player.
“In my opinion, there’s a problem between them and Juventus are good at keeping it down.”
Sarri has previously insisted Ronaldo was only substituted due to a persistent knee problem, which his player confirmed was correct.
Speaking to Football Italia last month, Ronaldo said: "In the last three weeks I have been limited. Everyone knows that I don't like to be substituted, but there was no problem in my gestures after the change. I tried to help Juventus by playing injured.
"No one likes to be replaced, but I understand it, because I wasn't well in those two games. I wasn't 100%."
Ronaldo's form has dipped as a result, with boss Sarri admitting: "The next step will be to recover the brilliance."
The forward is in contention for Monday's Ballon D'Or award, but snubbed the ceremony in Paris after reportedly hearing he would not make the podium.
Long-term rival Lionel Messi looks set to land his sixth gong, which would edge him in front of Ronaldo, who has a joint-record five.
Ronaldo has won the award four times in the last six years, but could finish outside the top three for the first time since 2010.
