Ronaldo extended his lead as Serie A's leading goalscoring this season when he netted his 29th goal of the campaign during Juventus' 3-2 to win over Inter on Saturday, but was unable to add to his tally after being substituted off with 20 minutes left to play.
Juve had been reduced to 10 men earlier in the match and held a 2-1 lead over the successors to their throne at the time of Ronaldo's substitution, and the Portuguese superstar uncharacteristically appeared comfortable with being replaced.
"I think it was the first time he was happy to be subbed off," Pirlo told Sky Italia after the match. "We were one man down, and he'd have been chasing shadows. He was happy and smiling in the dressing room."
Pirlo's decision to switch his star man out nearly backfired as Inter equalised in the 83rd minute through a Giorgio Chiellini own goal, before Juan Cuadrado netted from the penalty spot late on to earn the Bianconeri all three points.
While the destination of this season's title has already been decided, Saturday's victory could have massive ramifications for Juve in their pursuit of UEFA Champions League football next season, with the Italian giants now just one point outside of a qualification spot with one match remaining.
