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Pjanic reveals Allegri's tactic to let him take free kick from Ronaldo

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 4, 2026, 2:05 PM

Last updated Oct 4, 2026

Pjanic reveals Allegri's tactic to let him take free kick from Ronaldo

Summary

Miralem Pjanic disclosed a strategy employed by Juventus manager Max Allegri that reportedly allowed him to take a free kick instead of Cristiano Ronaldo during a Serie A match against Napoli in March 2019. Pjanic explained that Ronaldo, who won the free kick after a foul, was distracted when the team staff summoned physios for a treatment, enabling Pjanic to step up and score. The anecdote has stirred discussion, especially considering Ronaldo's limited success with free kicks while at Juventus.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Pjanic scored a free kick against Napoli in March 2019.
•Allegri used a diversion tactic to replace Ronaldo for the kick.
•Ronaldo only scored one free kick in 98 attempts during Serie A.
•Discussion continues regarding Ronaldo's reactions in recent trainings.

Latest Updates

2:05 PMYahoo Sports — Pjanic reveals Juventus ‘tricked’ Cristiano Ronaldo into leaving crucial free kick

What they're saying

"
Miralem Pjanic revealed an extraordinary ‘trick’ Max Allegri played at Juventus to prevent Cristiano Ronaldo taking a decisive free kick. ‘It was the only way I could get the ball!’The debate ...
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Juventus Napoli Champions League Soccer