The Juventus Under-20 team's journey in Europe began in the best way possible, as they overcame the PSV Eindhoven boys in their first Youth League fixture in Vinovo. They won one-nil on Alfonso Montero's goal in the 56th minute.
THE MATCH
Both teams were studying each other at the beginning of the match, but in the 10th minute, it was Juve who created the first big chance: Alessio Vacca put a ball into the box that passed across the entire width of the goal, but Diego Pugno was unable to get a foot on it. The PSV response came from Joel Van Den Berg, who tried a shot from outside the box in the 16th minute, but the Juventus goalkeeper Riccardo Radu smacked it away.
Juventus created other chances throughout the first half, most notably in the 22nd minute, when Andrei Florea attempted a lob shot that ended just over the goal. Shortly afterwards, Pugno was unable to capitalise on another opportunity, when he delivered a weak kick from a good position. At the other end, PSV remained dangerous, with Van Den Berg once again working against Jorge Martinez, when he missed a strong shot taken from outside the box.
THE BALANCE IS BROKEN
The Bianconeri began the second half pushing forward. In the 52nd minute, Filippo Pagnucco came close to scoring with a shot that brushed the crossbar. The decisive moment came in the 56th minute: Montero picked up a ball in the box and coolly beat Stijn Kuijsten for the 1-0 lead that split open the game.
PSV did its best to react and in the 66th minute, Floris Bos hit the post with a powerful shot that sent shivers through Juventus. Shortly afterwards, Van Den Berg again tested Radu, but the goalkeeper was ready with two decisive stops. The Bianconeri defended the lead until the final minutes of the game, despite the pressure from PSV.
The match ended after four minutes of added time, with Juventus holding on to the 1-0 lead and taking home the first three points of the season in this edition of the UEFA Youth League. The victory was hard fought and important and a continuation of their great day against Monza. The young Bianconeri team was solid and determined against a tough PSV squad.
FRANCESCO MAGNANELLI'S COMMENTS
“It was a debut for everyone—for me, for the team. It was a very exciting day, where you could feel something was different than usual. I know I have a good and willing group of guys, but today they played even beyond my expectations. Their spirit and attitude really made the difference, in addition to their technical skills, of course. We faced a team with flair, who had a precise idea of the game and were skilled ball-handlers. We played very well, both with and without the ball. I'm very happy with this outcome and also with the experiences I've been having here since last season, together with all the staff. We left our comfort zone and are in an incredible situation, that’s what we're facing this year. Now we have to maintain this level of focus and hunger, because in a few days we play again."
JUVENTUS 1 - 0 PSV EINDHOVEN
UEFA Youth League - Match Day 1
“Ale&Ricky" Pitch - Vinovo (TO)
Goals: 11' st Montero (J)
Juventus: Radu, Nisci, Martinez, Gil, Boufandar (1' st Keutgen), Ripani (36' st Ngana), Pugno (45' st Lopez), Vacca (45' st Scienza), Montero, Pagnucco (cap), Florea (27' st Crapisto).
Unused subs: Zelezny, Ventre, Finocchiaro, Bassino.
Coach: Francesco Magnanelli
PSV Eindhoven: Kuijsten, Waayers, Raap (36' st Merién), Bos (cap), Manuhutu (27' st Khaderi), Quispel (1' st Gomez Van Hoogen), Bahaty, Van den Berg, Jager (12' st Fernandez), De Guzman (27' st Bouhoudane), Thomas.
Unused subs: Janssen, Mulders, Beerens, Bassey.
Coach: Vincent Heilmann
Referee: Mr Gustavo Correia (POR).
Assistants: Mr Tiago Costa (POR), Mr Nelson Pereira (POR).
Fourth official: Mr Kevin Bonacina (ITA)
Bookings: 11' pt Boufandar (J), 36' pt Pagnucco (J), 1' st Manuhutu (P), 8' st Ripani (J), 42' st Merién (P)
Next match:
Primavera Championship 1 - Day 5
Lecce vs Juventus
Sports Centre "Deghi Centro" - San Pietro in Lama (LE)
Saturday, 21 September, 11:00