Juventus - Piacenza: 0-0
Juventus were without their international players this evening for the club’s traditional pre-season appointment at Villar Perosa. Piacenza provided the opposition for the bianconeri, as club president, Giovanni Cobolli Gigli, CEO, John-Claude Blanc, and sporting director, Alessio Secco, watched on, joined in the stands by Lapo and John Elkann.
Juventus were the quicker out of the blocks, pressing for an early opening. After some good work up the flanks by Marchionni and De Ceglie, the bianconeri finally registered their first shot on goal in the tenth minute, Zalayeta firing into the Piacenza keeper’s arms after a neat lay-off from Guzman.
Piacenza answered back a minute later, forcing a fine save from Belardi following a well-worked corner. The half produced few chances, a diving header from Zalayeta and a Marchionni shot which flashed just wide the highlights. Belardi was also called into action on two occasions but the new arrival kept his goal in tact with admirable athleticism and agility.
The second half began in similar style to the first, with the bianconeri determinedly searching for a breakthrough. Five minutes into the half Paro tried his luck from twenty five yards out but his stunning drive was parried by the Piacenza number one. Minutes later, Paro was again involved, supplying a sublime cross for Zalayeta, who’s forceful effort hit the outside of the post.
Didier Deschamps rang the changes on the hour mark, bringing on Chiumiento, Marchisio and Pisani on for Giannichedda, Birindelli and Zalayeta. The game settled into an even rhythm before Belardi was again forced to pull off a fine save, this time from a Piacenza free-kick. Juve made more changes with twenty minutes left on the clock, Balzaretti, Marchionni, Paro and De Ceglie replaced by Bartolucci, Sculli, Luci and Rossi. Juventus kept probing, Masiello shooting from distance following a loose clearance, but the Piacenza defence held firm. Urbano replaced Legrottaglie as the game entered its final stages and seconds later, a Sculli header forced another great save, the last action of a closely-fought match.
GOALS: (0-0)
JUVENTUS
Coach: Deschamps
Starting eleven: Belardi; Masiello, Birindelli (Marchisio 62’), Legrottaglie (Urbano 85’), Balzaretti (Bartolucci 68’); Marchionni (Sculli 68’), Paro (Luci 68’), Giannichedda (Chiumiento 62’), De Ceglie (Rossi 68’); Guzman, Zalayeta (Pisani 62’)
Substitutes: Scarzanella, Bartolucci, Chiumiento, Luci, Marchisio, Pisani, Rossi, Sculli, Urbano
PIACENZA
Coach: Iachini
Starting eleven: Cassano, Nef, Gemiti, Patrascu, Miglionico, Olivi, Padalino, Riccio, Cacia, Rantier, Simon.
Substitutes: Capodici, Abbate, Ondei, Gobatto, Bianchi, Stamilla, Nainggolan.
REFEREE: Mazzoleni (Bergamo)
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Only Balzaretti of the last season's starters was there...
Nice result, I have to say...