The Primavera have booked their place in the Viareggio Cup quarter-finals after overcoming Vicenza on penalties. Baroni’s side showed character to recover from an early setback, with Beltrame’s fine strike handing the young Bianconeri a deserved equaliser before the interval. And it was the striker who proved to be the hero, netting the winning spot kick after Branescu had saved from Pastorino.
Marco Baroni reverted back to the side that produced a 6-1 opening day success over Danish outfit Nordsjaelland. Branescu started in goal, with Untersee, Gouano, Rubin and Liviero across the back four. Chibsah and Gabriel anchored the midfield, leaving Spinazzola, Beltrame and De Silvestro free to operate behind lone striker Padovan.
Despite a bright start by the Bianconeri, it was the Biancorossi who broke the deadlock in the opening stages. Gouano handled in the area and Postorino beat Branescu from the spot after eleven minutes.
Baroni’s side reacted almost instantly and created several chances in their search for the equaliser. This arrived eight minutes before half-time, courtesy of Beltrame’s thunderous left-footed strike from outside the area.
Juventus continued their pressing after the break but came up against an inspired Cavallari who kept out efforts from Padovan and De Silvestro. Yet the goalkeeper could do nothing about Spinazzola’s rasping attempt, with the Bianconeri winger unlucky to see his effort cannon back off the upright.
Baroni was then forced into making a change after Appelt went down and was unable to continue. Bouy entered the action in his place. The Dutch midfielder had the chance to make an instant impact, sending his free-kick narrowly wide of goal.
With fifteen minutes remaining, the Bianconeri produced their best move of the game. Padovan and Beltrame exchanged passes on the edge of the area, the lone striker raced through on goal but Cavallari was out sharply to narrow the angle.
While Juve continued to throw men forward in their attempts to find a breakthrough, Vicenza’s defensive resilience paid dividends and the game went to penalties.
Padovan, Bouy, Libertazzi, Chibsah and Beltrame made it a perfect five from five, with Branescu saving from Pastorino to put the Primavera in the hat for this evening’s quarter-final draw.
Source: Juventus.com
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