A Lucio howler against his former teammates allowed Inter to beat Juventus” data-scaytid=”2″>Juventus 1-0 in the opening Trofeo TIM encounter with Philippe Coutinho on target.

A Lucio howler against his former teammates allowed Inter to beat Juventus 1-0 in the opening Trofeo TIM encounter with Philippe Coutinho on target.

The mini-tournament traditionally begins the season and this time was hosted by Bari’s Stadio San Nicola. Each team receives three points for a win, while a victory on penalties gives them two points and one to the loser.

Rodrigo Palacio completed the Nerazzurri attack with Diego Milito, but Lucio faced his former teammates after making a controversial summer move to Turin. There were loud boos every time the defender touched the ball.

Fabio Quagliarella threatened two goals in the opening 90 seconds, hesitating when sent clear by Stephan Lichtsteiner and then his header held by Samir Handanovic.

However, it was Inter who took the lead with their first real scoring opportunity. Milito flicked on the ball, which bounced over Lucio when he mistimed his jump in the box, allowing Philippe Coutinho to sweep in undisturbed on the half-volley from seven yards.

Jonathan went close to a second moments later, his angled drive flashing across the far post in acres of space down the right.

Luca Marrone’s tepid strike was easily smothered by Handanovic and Arturo Vidal’s free kick skimmed the bar. Fabio Quagliarella sprung the offside trap, but Handanovic rushed off his line to charge down with his legs.

Quagliarella had another great chance on 27 minutes when sent clear down the right, but blasted wide in a one-on-one. Quagliagol wasted a third opportunity by mistiming his volley for a fresh-air shot.

Alessandro Matri led a dangerous counter-attack, but Jonathan made the crucial last-gasp intervention to stop Kwadwo Asamoah tapping in at the back post.

De Ceglie nodded over from a free kick, as Juventus paid the price for not taking their chances and allowing Coutinho his opportunity. Inter take three points, so the next game in the Trofeo TIM this evening will be Milan-Juventus, followed by Milan-Inter.

Inter 1-0 Juventus

Scorers: Coutinho 11 (I)

Inter: Handanovic; Mbaye (Silvestre 39), Ranocchia, Chivu, Jonathan; Guarin, Cambiasso; Zanetti, Palacio (Longo 39), Coutinho (Nagatomo 34); Milito

Juventus: Storari; Masi, Lucio, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marrone, Asamoah, De Ceglie; Matri, Quagliarella

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