Back to the Soccer Newsfeed

Benched Dybala needed rest, Allegri claims

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri says his decision to bench Paulo Dybala is not significant, with the striker needing rest after a busy 2017.

Dybala started the Serie A season in great form, but the Argentina international has only hit the back of the net twice in the league since September.

The 24-year-old started Wednesday's Coppa Italia win against Genoa, opening the scoring and setting up forward partner Gonzalo Higuain for Juve's second goal.

Defenders Mattia De Sciglio and Benedikt Howedes have been ruled out of Saturday's home game against Roma, along with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, although Mehdi Benatia and Wojciech Szczesny will face their former side.