Cristiano Ronaldo's ‘stronger mentality’ praised by Massimiliano Allegri after hard-fought Juventus win over Frosinone

The Portuguese superstar scored the decisive opening goal for his side in the 81st minute

Massimiliano Allegri paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo’s mental strength after the Portuguese superstar overcame a host of missed chances to score a decisive goal in Juventus’ 2-0 win over Frosinone on Sunday.

Ronaldo, making his first appearance for Juve since controversially being sent off in the Champions League against Valencia on Wednesday, pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area to break the deadlock with nine minutes remaining and put his new team on course to maintain their perfect start to the Serie A season.

Federico Bernardeschi added a second in injury time to make sure of the victory, but it was Ronaldo who Allegri singled out for praise in his post-match press conference.

“He had many chances and that happens because good balls always end to players that are able to score goals in the box,” Allegri said of Ronaldo.

“He missed some of these chances, in a few occasions he has been unlucky with the rebounds, but his strength is the fact that he is always into the match, even if he doesn't score straight away.

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“And that's what happened because to score a goal like that towards the end means that he has a mentality stronger than the others.”

Juve were frustrated for long spells by Frosinone at the Stadio Benito Stirpe despite registering 28 attempts at goal, with Ronaldo responsible for 10 of those.

“We were expecting a game like that,” Allegri added. “We came into this match having played with 10 men for 70 minutes [against Valencia] in midweek and it was one of those games that become really tricky if you don't find an early breakthrough.

“I'm happy with the way the lads kept working the ball towards Frosinone's area quickly and calmly. Eventually the goal came for us.”

Juventus are next in Serie A action at home to Bologna on Wednesday, before taking on second-placed Napoli in Turin on Saturday.