Paul Pogba made his season debut for Juventus in Tuesday’s Serie A clash against Torino and Lorenzo Bettoni at the Allianz Stadium details what the Frenchman did in his first appearance in almost one year.
Juventus fans could no longer wait. This was the second time Pogba joined the team for a competitive match in 2022-23 but the first time he had not made his debut while Juventus lost 2-0 against Monza.
This time was different. Massimiliano Allegri said on Monday that Pogba could have made his debut in the derby della Mole against Torino and it finally happened at minute 67 on Tuesday when the ex-Manchester United midfielder replaced 21-year-old Enzo Barrenechea.
The whole stadium welcomed Pogba with a huge ovation and sang ‘Siamo venuti fin qua per vedere segnare Pogba’ – ‘We got here to see Pogba score.’ They were not as lucky but only seeing Pogba finally wearing the Bianconeri’s No.10 was a massive relief for the Old Lady’s fans and, perhaps, also for coach Allegri.
The France international returned to Turin after six years last summer, but suffered a meniscus injury during the pre-season undergoing surgery in September and eventually missing the World Cup with France. He had played his last competitive game with Manchester United in April 2022.
Pogba seemed involved on and off the pitch and the Allianz Stadium crowd could not stand still every time he stood up to warm up. The Frenchman was so impatient to come in that he even gave some tips to his teammates before entering the pitch, telling them to try more cross-field passes to stretch the Granata’s defence.
He played for circa 30 minutes, including stoppage time and had a chance to score, but a Torino defender blocked his left-foot shoot from the edge of the box.
“It had been a long time since we wanted Pogba back with us and we are happy. With a game every three days, we need everyone available,” Allegri said in his post-match interview with DAZN.
Pogba wasn’t directly involved in any Juventus goal, but his introduction helped the Old Lady secure all three points as Allegri’s men scored twice after he was subbed on.
His technique and physical impact will surely help the Old Lady again this season if his fitness level keeps improving. The push from Juventus fans will do the same giving him the motivation he may have lacked at Manchester United.
The bond with Juventus supporters has always been solid, even during his six-year spell at Old Trafford. Juventus fans have been dreaming of this moment since his return to Manchester United in 2016 and Pogba rewarded the waiting with a little gift, giving his shirt to a fan in Curva Sud after the game.
It should have started earlier, but the second chapter of Pogba’s life at Juventus has just begun and fans are looking forward to what’s coming next.
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