RONALDO SWITCHES TO RUGBY STUDS TO GAIN SPRINTING ADVANTAGE

Ahead of the 20 June restart date of Italy’s Serie A, Juventus star player, Cristiano has been reported by Daily Mail to be using rugby studs in training.

Italian football is scheduled to return on June 20 after a three-month sporting lockdown and Ronaldo believes running in longer, wider rugby studs will enhance his performance on the pitch. 

According to to Tuttosport, the 35-year-old has adapted his footwear to enable him to grip the turf and run faster in training before the final matches of the 2019-20 campaign.

It is believed the Portugal captain has been using boots with rubber studs rather than metal studs, supposedly allowing for improved flexibility and speed.

This ingenious method has also been trialled by Montpellier forward Andy Delort, helping the Frenchman reach speeds of 36.8km/h – a record in Ligue 1 this term.

Ronaldo has changed his approach to fitness and nutrition throughout his career, and a daily routine that includes six meals and five 90-minute naps has contributed towards his longevity.  

Now he is looking to find a competitive edge as Juve bid to fend off Lazio and win their ninth Scudetto in succession.  

Maurizio Sarri’s men are one point clear at the top of the table with 12 matches left to play, starting with a trip to Bologna on Monday, June 22.

Notably, Juve host Lazio on July 20 in their fifth from final game and play Roma at the Allianz Stadium on the final day of the season (July 2). 

Meanwhile, the return date for Champions League football has not yet been confirmed. Juve are hoping to overturn a 1-0 first leg defeat when they take on Lyon in the round of 16 second leg.