SERIE A - Ex-Italy coach Lippi gives verdict on Ancelotti and Christiano Ronaldo

Former Italy national team coach Marcello Lippi has given a verdict on Carlo Ancelotti and Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Serie A clash on Saturday at Allianz Stadium.
Former Real Madrid and PSG boss have led last season runner-up to five wins and just one defeat this season so far while Bainconerri summer signing of Portugal international has fired Old
Ladys to the top of the summit in Serie A after six matches with 100 percent record.

Lippi, who coached both clubs, told Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of Saturday’s showdown. "Napoli are the same as last season, but with a new Coach who’s done a fantastic job so far,”
"Juve have only changed a bit, apart from CR7… Carlo did well to keep Sarri’s work intact, but he’s added experience, strong psychology and an ability to mix things up tactically without it affecting performances.

"Sarri didn’t rotate much because he was looking for a crazy level of chemistry on the field, but Carlo is different. He’ll get to the end of the season with a fresher squad and one who are all in sync because everyone will have played at the same level as the starters.
"There are those who claim Ronaldo has taken space away from Dybala, but it’s not true. Allegri’s also said it.
"Between the lines and in the final third is where Paulo plays best. Cristiano, on the other hand, just scores, and that can only help his teammates.

"He’s a champion whom Zidane managed to perfection, and Allegri must learn from that, but he’ll succeed and everyone will benefit from him. He can play anywhere and adapt to those around him.
"Allegri is good at constantly changing system: one minute he’ll play with two forwards, then three, then three defenders, then four. Therein lies Juventus’ strength, and Ancelotti is trying to do the same thing at Napoli.

"They’ll succeed under Ancelotti and results will also be seen in Europe, where the Azzurri still haven’t made it to the top.
"They need experience, and Carlo has it in abundance.”
However, the China boss was less vocal about who would win on Saturday. “Juventus haven’t surprised me, Napoli have a bit, but a prediction really is impossible for me to make,” he concluded.

Ronaldo wins 2017 Ballon d’Or, equals Messi’s record

Real Madrid forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, has won the 2017 Ballon d’Or prize.

The 32-year-old was named the winner of France Football’s prestigious award at a ceremony in Paris on Thursday.

Ronaldo had previously won the award in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2016.
In achieving this feat, the Portugal captain now draws level with Lionel Messi on five awards.
Ronaldo was favourite to win this year, after a remarkable year with the La Liga and European champions.

The Ballon d’Or, considered by many as the ultimate prize for an individual, is awarded to the best player in Europe.

Kaka was the last player other than Ronaldo or Messi to win the prestigious individual gong all the way back in 2007.