Juventus starts the Serie A season with a commanding 3-0 win over Como at Allianz Stadium. Goals from Mbangula, Weah, and Cambiaso highlight a tactical masterclass by Thiago Motta. Read the full match analysis.
Introduction:
Juventus began their Serie A season on a lighter note with a 3-0 resounding victory over Como at a packed Allianz Stadium. Scorers in the match were Samuel Mbangula, Timothy Weah, and Andrea Cambiaso, which ensured a perfect start for new head coach Thiago Motta. The atmosphere was electric, with the first match of the season having record fans of 40,696 in attendance.
See also: AC Milan Fought Back to Secure a Point Against Torino in a 2-2 Thrilling Serie A Opener
A Tactical Masterclass from Thiago Motta
There was a hint of surprise in the Juventus team as, playing from the back, Gatti and Bremer were paired in central defense. The armband for the captain was worn by Gatti, while the most surprising inclusion in the lineup was Mbangula, an exciting youngster set to make his debut in Juventus colors on the left flank.
Juventus dictated the pace of the encounter from the first whistle, keeping possession and winning it high up the pitch. The visitors, Como, with an equal determination to get back in the game, kept pace with Juventus, creating a first half that was engaging and fast-paced.
Mbangula Opens his Account on Debut
That strong Juventus domination was swiftly rewarded in the 22nd minute, as Mbangula made a sparkling debut when he provided a shot low in off his left that landed in the far corner, leaving Como’s goalkeeper Reina with no chance. The stadium erupted into cheers as Mbangula just bowed, marking his debut in style.
Juventus continued to press forward, with Vlahovic and Yildiz coming close to extending the lead. The pressure finally broke Como’s defense in the 45th minute when Weah doubled the lead. His thunderous shot from the penalty spot smashed onto the crossbar, landed behind the line, and then back out, but it was enough to give a half-time lead of 2-0.
Vlahovic Unlucky but Juventus in Control
The second half had just started when the ball went back to Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian forward headed what seemed to be a goal in the 46th, but it was disallowed for offside after a video review. Two minutes later, Reina parried his effort; then he hit the post for the second time in the game, summing up his ill-fated night.
Despite a pace limited in the first 45 minutes by the heat, Juventus remained the team that mostly handled the game through possession and searching for the cracks in Como’s defense. There were more debuts in the match, as Savona and Douglas Luiz were given a warm welcome by the home crowd.
Cambiaso Secures Win
Cambiaso put the final touch to a long-ranging effort from the edge of the box in the last minute. His wonder goal in the 91st minute provided gloss to the final score of 3-0, underlining total dominance by the Old Lady.
Defensive Strength and Command
The line-up policy that Motta used in starting the central defender pair Gatti and Bremer really works wonders for them. Gatti’s commanding presence – his captaincy – and Bremer’s physically imposing game provided Juventus a solid foundation in defense. Bremer’s ability was his secret to denying Como from launching attacks that will break his clean sheet.
Midfield Power and Craft at Juventus
Midfield power at Juventus controlled the game through the availability of Locatelli and Thuram. The ability to link the defense to the strike was good enough to ensure that Juve maintains a high-pressure game against Como. Therefore, the substitution for Douglas Luiz by the coach was very strategic to ensure that there was fresh energy that came in to maintain Juve pressure in the game.
Creativity in the Forward Line and Finishing
The speed, creativity, and dynamism of Mbangula, Weah on the left, and Vlahovic, who is a constant aerial threat, were too much for the Como defense. Even if Vlahovic didn’t have much luck on a particular night, his movement and positional work created space and opportunities for others, best exemplified in Cambiaso’s late goal.
Conclusion: Juventus starts positively
The Bianconeri 3-0 over Como was a statement of intent. Guided by Motta, this is going to be a time of tactical discipline and creativity in attacks coupled with resilient defense. Three points were collected, and this performance definitely sets a brighter tone for the oncoming season. Fans of Juve are set up for an exciting campaign as the side builds off of this strong foundation.