Roberto Pereyra gave Juventus a hard-fought 1-0 win over Sassuolo in the Trofeo TIM mini-match.
Roberto Pereyra gave Juventus a hard-fought 1-0 win over Sassuolo in the Trofeo TIM mini-match.
The Bianconeri were straight back in action after losing the opener 1-0 to Milan, but this was the first game of the night for hosts Sassuolo. The tournament awards three points for a win in 45 minutes, two for a victory on penalties and one for a shoot-out defeat.
It was an important night for Francesco Acerbi, who is ready to play again after beating cancer twice in a year.
Giorgio Chiellini was twice decisive on Jasmin Kurtic after a hole developed in the back four, while Rubinho did well to smother a Raman Chibsah effort from a corner.
Ex-Udinese man Roberto Pereyra drilled wide from a promising position and Romulo’s attempt was deflected off target, while a Kwadwo Asamoah cross-shot flew past everyone.
Juventus had a great chance on 36 minutes when Alessandro Longhi failed to cut out a cross for Simone Pepe at the back post, but Ciro Polito reacted quickly to parry from point-blank range.
Pepe wasted a golden opportunity soon after, as Martin Caceres and Romulo combined to set him up from 10 yards, but the unmarked veteran hit a fresh-air shot.
Juve finally broke through with only 120 seconds left in this mini-match. A low cross was deflected, turning it into an assist for Pereyra, who was quick to react and toe-poke in from eight yards.
Sassuolo 0-1 Juventus
Scorers: Pereyra 43 (J)
Sassuolo: Polito; Cannavaro, Terranova, Acerbi, Longhi; Brighi, Chibsah (Magnanelli 30), Kurtic; Sereni (Berardi 30), Pavoletti, Floro Flores
Juventus: Rubinho; Romulo, Marrone, Chiellini, Caceres; Mattiello, Padoin, Asamoah; Pepe, Pereyra; Vitale