Juventus U19 completed back to back wins over Maccabi Haifa in the Youth League. The young Bianconeri collected a successive 3-1 win over the Israeli side despite trailing by an early goal to collect three crucial points in Matchday 4 of the tournament they excelled in one season ago.
THE MATCH
It was a complicated start for Paolo Montero's side, immediately put under pressure by the hosts.
Ben Shimol had the first sight on goal, which Scaglia thwarted with an impressive save. Then in the fifth minute Maccabi took the lead, Distelfeld completing the move after being sent through on goal by Shibli
Maccabi took confidence from the early advantage and continued to control the game but failed to convert any of the subsequent chances they created.
On the half hour, the Biaconeri emrged from their shell. A free kick from Hasa signalled their intent, followed up by Turco, who called Maccabi goalkeeper Laish into action.
Momentum continued to sway towards Juve in the second half and the equaliser arrived four minutes after the restart, when Anghelé finished off a persistent attack which had been first denied by the home keeper.
The balance of the match had swung completely. Chances fell to Turco, twice, and Hasa as Juve turned the screws. The second goal was in the air but excellent goalkeeping by Laish was frustrating the Bianconeri attack and the clock was ticking dangerously close to the 90th minute.
In fact, the deciding goals arrived in stoppage time. Mancini met an inswinging corner in the 91st minute to complete the turnaround, while in 96' Huijsen who rounded off the scoring with a penalty.
Three massive points to take back to Turin.
PAOLO MONTERO
"It was difficult in the first half. They deserved more than us, they were aggressive. Then we started playing another game, keeping our focus, taking up the space and ending up dominating.
"The victory is the right result, but we have to be careful because it's not always to mount a comeback. That said, we are returning home with three deserved points and we are happy"
MACCABI HAIFA 1-3 JUVENTUS (HT: 1-0)
Scorers: 5' Distelfeld (MH), 59' Anghelè (J), 90'+1 Mancini (J), 90'+6 (pen) Huijsen (J)
Maccabi Haifa: Greis, Feingold, Eissat, Kay Laish, Hermesh, Ben Shimol (78' Pahima), Otachi (85' Elmichly), Khalaili (85' Safronubitz), Shibli, Distelfeld (68' Levi), Kahvic (68' Razon). Subs not used: Shavit, Marelly. Coach: Degu.
Juventus: Scaglia, Rouhi, Huijsen, Dellavalle, Strijdonck (39' Anghelè ), Turco N. (76' Mancini), Hasa, Mbangula, Turco S. (46' Valdesi), Ripani (85' Doratiotto), Nonge (85' Ledonne). Subs not used: Daffara, Domanico. Coach: Montero.
Referee: De Gabriele.
Assistants: Spiteri, Scerri.
Bookings: 11' Ben Shimol (MH), 28' Feingold (MH), 42' Turco S. (J), 45'+2 Hasa (J), 53' Eissat (MH), 89' Dellavalle (J), 90'+4 Pahima
Sending off: 90'+5 Eissat (MH)