Two goals in a 2-1 victory over a rival team would be considered a good day at the office for most players – not Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese superstar was left furious with Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo after being substituted in the 75th minute of their Coppa Italia clash against Inter Milan.
Ronaldo’s first-half double put Juve 2-1 up after Lautaro Martinez gave Inter an early lead at the San Siro.
The game was tight and Pirlo decided it was best to take off his star player, with Alvaro Morata coming on in his place.
Ronaldo certainly didn’t see it that way, cutting an upset figure as he trudged off the pitch having had the opportunity to score a hat-trick taken away.
It’s not the first time he’s been upset at being substituted, Ronaldo once throwing his Manchester United tracksuit top into the air when he was hooked off in a clash against Man City in May 2009 as he chased the Premier League’s Golden Boot award.
Ronaldo’s reaction to being subbed off against Inter
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He can be seen talking to his manager as he leaves the field but Pirlo issued a defiant message when addressing the decision to sub Ronaldo afterwards.
Pirlo said: “There is no contract clause that says he can’t be subbed off. He knows he is a fundamental player for us but to get his breath back, he must always be at the top.”
There was no treble for Ronaldo and there were no more goals in the clash, meaning Juventus have the advantage going into the second leg next Tuesday.
If Ronaldo and Juventus get the job done, either Napoli or Atalanta awaits them in the Coppa Italia final, which is due to take place on May 19.
