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What's the story?
Italy head coach Roberto Mancini believes that Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo is not as efficient as he used to be in the Champions League this season, but believes that he has had a good season in Italy overall.
The 54-year-old also gave his verdict on the Old Lady's hopes of winning the European title this season.
In case you didn't know...
Since his arrival at Turin, Ronaldo has become a source of confidence and inspiration for the entire squad, helping the side to a comfortable top-of-the-table lead in the Serie A and a real chance at the Champions League title.
While the 34-year-old has emerged as the top scorer (with 19 goals) and top assist-provider in the Italian top flight so far, he has only found the net once in the Champions League. The Portuguese also has a red card to his name this campaign.
Juventus faced defeat to La Liga giants Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Round of 16 clash this season and face a difficult task of overcoming the Spanish side in the second leg.
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The heart of the matter
Despite the difficult task ahead of them, Mancini has backed Juventus to come back from the deficit in the same way they did against Real Madrid last season.
Speaking to Tiki Taka (via Football Espana), the manager said, "Juve-Atletico? They know it’ll be a difficult game. There’s no magic formula for the comeback, but Juve are an experienced team and they came back from 3-0 down at home to Real Madrid last season."
Mancini added that while Ronaldo has not been doing well in Europe's elite competition, he has still achieved a lot of "important things".
"Perhaps Ronaldo isn’t doing in the Champions League what he’s done in the past, but he’s always achieved important things."
"He’s doing well in Serie A. I think at his level, it’s hard anywhere. The League in Italy is as difficult as it is in England and a little less so in Spain, but for me, he’s having a good season."
What's next?
Juventus will attempt to resurrect their chances at the Champions League title when they face Atletico Madrid in the second leg on March 12.
Meanwhile, the Bianconeri will take on Napoli in the Serie A on Sunday night.
