This archive report was first published on 20 August 2019.
Italian football powerhouse Juventus is facing a challenge ahead of their opening Serie A match, with coach Maurizio Sarri down with pneumonia. The 60-year-old coach, who was appointed in June to replace Massimiliano Allegri, has been a chain-smoker throughout his career.
According to Juventus, Sarri had been suffering from flu last week and missed the friendly against third-tier Triestina on Saturday. Despite his condition, he was present at the club's training centre on Monday, where he coordinated the work of his staff but did not conduct training on the pitch.
Further tests confirmed that Sarri has pneumonia, for which specific therapy has been prescribed. The coach has authorized the club to communicate his state of health, but Juventus has not yet confirmed whether he will be able to take charge of the team at Parma on Saturday.
As the Turin side prepares for their eighth consecutive Serie A title, they have a history of success under previous coaches, including Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri. Sarri's previous stint as coach of Napoli saw the team finish runners-up twice and third once in his three seasons in charge.
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