Having failed to make his official debut for Juventus this past weekend, new signing Matthijs de Ligt has admitted he was surprised at not being selected by Maurizio Sarri for the club's season opener against Parma.
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The Bianconeri started the 2019/20 Serie A campaign with an away win at Parma on Saturday evening, courtesy of a goal by veteran centre-back Giorgio Chiellini.
The Italian was partnered by Leonardo Bonucci in central defence, with manager Sarri opting to leave De Ligt, one of the club's most expensive signings ever, on the bench.
The young Dutchman has since admitted he was surprised about not being named in the starting XI for the fixture, but knows he will have to work hard to get into the team.
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"Of course, I would have preferred to play," De LIgt said, according to The Sun.
"I couldn't read this based on the training sessions, in that sense I didn't see this coming, but obviously I respect the decision of the coach.
"I'm also realistic, I'm still getting used to being here in Italy.
"The duo that played today, Chiellini and Bonucci, were seen as the best defensive pairing in the world. It's not like you're just going to play instead of them in the opening match.
"I'll have to conquer them to earn my place in the team this season."
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Juventus' next match is at home against Napoli this Saturday.
Do you think De Ligt will be able to displace either Chiellini or Bonucci this season? Let us know in the comments section below.
