Juventus head coach Sarri diagnosed with pneumonia

Turin, August 20: Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri has been diagnosed with pneumonia, the Serie A champions have confirmed.

Sarri missed Juve's friendly win over Triestina on Saturday (August 17) due to "the persistence" of flu, which he developed last week.

He returned to the club's training base on Monday (August 19) but was unable to oversee preparation work on the pitch due to his illness.

The club conducted further examinations and Sarri has now begun a course of treatment.

Maurizio Sarri was at the JTC today, but was not on the field.

The coach underwent further checks this afternoon https://t.co/XxXRc1u8Ne pic.twitter.com/Qk5hlokXS6

— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) August 19, 2019

A statement released by the club on Monday read: "Maurizio Sarri, after having observed rest over the weekend, was at the JTC Continassa (Juve's training facility) today where he coordinated the work of his staff.

"Unfortunately, he could not conduct the training on the field due to the persistence of his flu, which struck him over the course of last week.

"In the late afternoon, he underwent further tests that confirmed he has pneumonia, for which specific therapy has been prescribed.

"The coach has authorised the club to communicate his state of health."

Juve begin their Serie A campaign against Parma on Saturday (August 24). It is unclear whether Sarri will be in a position to take charge of the team at Il Tardini.