Football Italia was among the accredited media at the Allianz Stadium for Juventus‘ opening Champions League game against PSV: here are three things you may not have seen on TV.
Juventus secured a convincing 3-1 win over PSV last night, winning their first game in the competition in nearly two years.
Kenan Yildiz, Weston McKennie and Nico Gonzalez provided the goals for the Bianconeri, but what didn’t you see on TV on Tuesday? Football Italia was among the accredited media last night and brings you three things you may have missed.
Motta-Locatelli
When McKennie doubled Juventus’ lead in the second half, Motta quickly rushed outside his technical area to talk to Manuel Locatelli. The coach pointed at a specific spot in the middle of the park, probably telling the Italy international which position he had to cover. Locatelli replied politely, covering his mouth so cameras could not see what he was saying. However, Motta wasn’t only outside the technical area, but had accidentally entered the field while Juventus players were still celebrating, so the fourth official urged him to return to the dugout.
Yildiz magic
The Turkish talent was UEFA’s MOTM at the Allianz Stadium last night, an award that he received after becoming the youngest Juventus goal scorer in the competition, beating the record of a certain Alessandro Del Piero. Yildiz also received a deserved standing ovation when he was subbed off in the second half and he was so jubilant that he high-fived every staff member and every teammate on the bench when he left the pitch. He also gifted his training jersey to a young kid sitting close to the Juventus bench, while Manuel Locatelli, who had also been subbed off, signed autographs for some young fans with Juventus 3-0 up.
Only bad news
The only bad news of the night from Juventus came in the very final second of the game when they conceded the first goal of the season. Danilo had been introduced a few minutes earlier and kept PSV goal scorer Ismael Saibari onside for the Dutch side’s late strike. Danilo is fighting for playing time, having started five games from five from the bench, and his sorrow was evident last night, especially after the final whistle. His body language said it all. The Brazilian defender remained in the middle of the park, shaking his head with his hands on his hips. However, he was not alone, as many of his teammates, including Federico Gatti and Carlo Pinsoglio, hugged him and tried to cheer him up.
That PSV goal was needless!