Pirlo Reiterates Desire To Keep Dybala After Goalscoring Return Against Napoli

After dropping points in their last two games against Benevento and Torino, the Old Lady returned to winning ways at the Allianz Stadium with a 2-1 win over the Partenopei thanks to goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and substitute Dybala, with Lorenzo Insigne getting a consolation for the visitors from a late penalty.

Having missed almost three months of action with fitness problems, Dybala marked his return with a well taken strike just four minutes after appearing from the bench to help Juventus climb up to third on the league table, one point behind second-placed AC Milan and twelve adrift leaders Inter Milan with nine games to go.

Dybala’s contract with Juventus has just over a year to run and there are reports that he could depart Turin this summer.

But Pirlo believes a fully-fit Dybala is indispensable, and is intent on the former Palermo forward remaining in his current surroundings.

"When you have a player like Dybala at your disposal, you always try to let him play. We've almost never had him," Pirlo told Sky Sport post-match.

"When you miss someone like this, it becomes difficult, and when he comes back he helps you win.

"He still has a year on his contract. We hope to be able to keep him."

Dybala has made just 17 appearances for Juventus this season, scoring four goals.