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Juventus team news: Predicted Juventus line up vs Udinese – Ronaldo back, Dybala rested
CRISTIANO RONALDO is expected to return to the Juventus starting XI when they take on Udinese at the Stadio Friuli on Saturday (5pm).
Cristiano Ronaldo is available for selection and expected to feature when Juventus take on Udinese this weekend.
The 33-year-old was suspended for the Champions League win over Young Boys in midweek, having been sent off against Valencia in Juve’s opening group game.
Ronaldo is also currently involved in an ongoing investigation following claims of rape – which he denies – emerged this week, but has been named in the Old Lady’s squad for Saturday’s Serie A clash.
Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri said his star striker - who joined the club in the summer for a fee of around £100million - was ready for action.
The former Real Madrid star has endured a tumultuous week following allegations he raped Kathryn Mayorga at a Las Vegas hotel in 2009.
On Thursday, Juventus posted a message of support for Ronaldo on social media which has drawn widespread criticism for its wording.
Ronaldo has used his own media profiles to address the issue, saying he was calm over "any and all investigations" as he had a "clear" conscience over the allegation.
The striker has been rested from the Portugal squad for this month’s games against Poland and Scotland but is expected to start for Juventus this weekend.
Paulo Dybala, who played up front in Ronaldo’s absence and scored a hat-trick against Young Boys, could be rested ahead of the international break.
Mario Mandzukic is likely to start on the left flank while Federico Bernardeschi could feature on the opposite wing or in a No 10 role.
Douglas Costa is still suspended after spitting at Sassuolo’s Federico Di Francesco while Allegri is without three first-team stars due to injury.
Leonardo Spinazzola, Sami Khedira and Daniele Rugani are all sidelined, meaning Juve are expected to adopt a 4-3-3 formation.