Matthijs de Ligt 'surprised not to start season opener'

Matthijs de Ligt has admitted that he 'did not expect to be on the bench' for Juventus's Serie A opener against Parma on Saturday night.

The Netherlands international is believed to have turned down interest from a number of clubs to join the Italian champions from Ajax during the summer transfer window.

The 20-year-old was not included in Juve's 2019-20 opener against Parma, however, with Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini continuing their partnership in central defence.

De Ligt has admitted that he was surprised to be on the sidelines, although the Dutchman has insisted that he respects the decision.

"Naturally, I would've preferred to play and I didn't get any clues from training, so I didn't expect to be on the bench. Obviously, I respect the decision of the coach. I must be realistic, as I am still settling in here in Italy," De Ligt told AD.

"The defenders who played, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, were considered for a long time to be the best centre-back partnership in the world."

Chiellini scored the only goal of the match in the 21st minute as Maurizio Sarri's side started their season with a narrow win.