Juve to rest Cristiano against Atalanta

Cristiano Ronaldo will not be in the starting line-up for Juventus' next Serie A match, coach Massimiliano Allegri said Tuesday.

"Ronaldo's going to be on the bench tomorrow," Allegri told Sky Sport Italia. "He's available, but he's going to watch the game together with me for the first time.

Juventus head into Wednesday's contest against Atalanta leading Serie A by eight points over second-place Napoli.

The Portugal international has started in each of Juve's previous 17 Serie A matches since coming over from Real Madrid last summer, scoring 11 goals.

"We need him to be in his best shape in March when we get to the business end of the Champions League. He's going to have to be even more decisive than he has been in recent years," Allegri said, explaining his decision to rest the 33-year-old Ronaldo.

The Bianconeri will face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League knockout stage.