06 June 2017
New season. Same old Juve. The Bianconeri got their 2016/17 campaign up and running with a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina.
Sami Khedira may not have been the first name on people’s list for Juventus’ maiden strike of the season, but the Germany international proved what a quality finisher he can be upon powerfully heading home Giorgio Chiellini’s cross in the 31st minute.
The Bianconeri’s reaction to the goal was simply to try to score more with Paulo Dybala and Alex Sandro both coming close as the first 45 minutes drew to a close. Having helped themselves to 11 shots to Fiorentina’s zero before the break, the hosts might have hoped to establish a larger half-time lead and they would momentarily be made to regret their relative profligacy in attack.
For, following a more subdued opening phase of the second period, the visitors managed to hit a 70th-minute equaliser courtesy of Nikola Kalinic’s well-placed header past Gianluigi Buffon.
The Viola would be on level terms for just four minutes, however, as Khedira’s blocked effort saw the ball bounce out to record summer signing Gonzalo Higuain, who turned in from an acute angle to open up his Serie A account for his new club and instantly earn hero status at Juventus Stadium.
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