Dybala back as Juventus aim for big finish to 2020

Andrea Pirlo expects to have Paulo Dybala available again as Juventus bring the curtain down on 2020 at home to Fiorentina on Tuesday.

Dybala, who has been the subject of transfer speculation amid tricky contract negotiations, missed Saturday’s big 4-0 win at Parma due to a thigh injury.

The Argentina international has started only five games in Serie A this term, making eight appearances in the competition in total.

His production when on the pitch has also been underwhelming, with one goal from 23 shots while failing to register an assist despite creating 14 chances.

But Pirlo talked up the forward’s talents at the weekend and was optimistic he would return against Fiorentina, with encouraging news following on Monday.

“Someone is better: Paulo trained a bit with the team today,” Pirlo told Juventus TV. “He is better and I think he can come with us for the match tomorrow.

“[Merih] Demiral is better, too, but Arthur is not available, because he still feels pain where he took the blow against Atalanta.”

Juve are one of only two teams in Europe’s ‘top five’ leagues without defeat this season, although they trail Serie A leaders Milan – the other unbeaten side – by four points having drawn six times.