It was never going to be easy to get excited about a Europa League qualifier this early in the season – I mean let’s face it, it’s a painful reminder of just how poor Juventus were last season and more importantly, of the long season ahead of us. On the plus side, it gave us fans a chance to see the new signing’s in action, and more importantly, how they would fit into Gigi Del Neri’s lineup.
To say i was apprehensive about this game would be an understatement. Roma, despite the fact that we’ve thumped them silly for the last 4 years, always present a threat and i was half expecting to see the same gritty Roma side that showed up in midweek against Kosice. Not to say i expected a 7-1 drubbing, but rather a team that showed some real attacking intent and put us under pressure.
Instead, i saw a personal dream realised and the birth of a new Juventus idol. Now it may be early to start gushing about individual performances, especially as the season is only 2 weeks old, but come on, how good is Diego ?!
Juve are through to the final of the pace cup after beating Real Madrid 2 – 1! Goals came at the beginning of each half with Cannavaro latching on to a Del Piero free kick to put Juventus one nil up. Madrid got a goal back at the end of the half after a rash tackle from Giorgio Chiellini downed Raul and Ronaldo stepped up to convert the penalty.
Juve were far from disheartened and within 8 minutes of the restart, Juve were 2-1 up as Brazzo was left unmarked to head in a Del Piero cross. Madrid tried their best to push forward and grab an equalizer bringing on Higuain and Negredo late on but the Juventus defence, marshalled by Gigi Buffon, was more than equal to the task.
Juventus came out ready winners against Sevilla in their first game in the peace cup with goals from Iaquinta and Amauri but Mauro Camoranesi has picked up yet another injury.
Juventus looked solid and organised as Amauri connected to Alex Del Piero’s corner to open the scoring on 27 mins. Mauro Camoranesi picked up a knock about an hour into the game and was replaced by Vicenzo Iaquinta. The big striker went on to double Juves’ lead as he latched on to a brilliant cross from Zebina to put Juve 2 goals to the good. A defensive error late on in the game saw Schillaci net a consolation goal for Sevilla, but overall, it was confident and assured performance from the Bianconeri as they start to adapt to Ferrara’s new formation.
