Juventus have enlisted the help of a leading psychologist to help their squad overcome Covid-19 anxiety ahead of Serie A’s return.

Professor Giuseppe Vercelli has been used by manager Maurizio Sarri to help reduce fears among his players about catching coronavirus.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Co are back in full training ahead of the scheduled resumption of the league campaign on June 20.

Juventus will return to action prior to that on June 12 when they face AC Milan in the semi-final, second leg of the Coppa Italia. The first leg, played in February, ended in a 1-1 draw.

Professor Vercelli, of the University of Turin, is a consultant for various sports federations and has an established reputation in Italy.

He has headed the psychology department at the club’s J Medical facility since 2011 but is now being used by Sarri in more of a frontline role.

Tuttosport report that Sarri sought help on the psychological side from a professional with the Covid-19 pandemic throwing up different problems to the usual physical ones.

Prof. Vercelli has been a daily presence at the Juventus Training Center since the players’ return to training.

According to a study by FIFPRO and the University of Amsterdam, the number of professional footballers reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression has increased sharply during the pandemic.

Juventus players like Douglas Costa, who frequently suffers injuries, and Gonzalo Higuain, who returned from Argentina with anxiety having left his mother alone, are likely to benefit from Prof. Vercelli’s expertise.

Juventus are a point ahead of Lazio at the top of Serie A with 12 rounds of the season remaining.

SOURCE:- allfootballapp