This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
Italian football powerhouse Juventus is set to begin its new Serie A campaign without head coach Maurizio Sarri, who will miss the team's first two matches due to a bout of pneumonia.
According to a statement from the club, Sarri, 60, underwent further medical tests on Thursday, which showed a good clinical improvement.
However, to ensure a complete recovery, the coach will not be on the bench for Juventus' matches against Parma on Saturday and Napoli on August 31.
Despite his absence, Sarri was present at the team's training ground on Thursday to coordinate work with his training staff.
Juventus, the eight-time reigning Serie A champions, will open their campaign against Parma at the Stadio Ennio Tardini on Saturday, before facing last year's runners-up Napoli in Turin on August 31.
Sarri has a rich coaching history, having led Napoli for three seasons before moving to Chelsea in 2018, where he won the Europa League.
