Football

Juventus continued their impressive start to the Serie A season with a dominant 3-0 victory over Verona on Monday, extending their winning streak to two matches. The victory propelled the Bianconeri to the top of the early standings, as they aim to reclaim the Scudetto they last won in 2019/20.Dusan Vlahovic emerged as the star of the show, scoring twice to lead Juventus to victory. The Serbian striker opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark, giving the visitors a crucial advantage. Nicolo Savona, making his full debut for the club, doubled Juventus' lead with a well-taken header from Samuel Mbangula's cross.Mbangula, a Belgian youngster promoted from the youth ranks, has made an immediate impact for Juventus, contributing a goal and two assists in his first two games. Vlahovic sealed the victory with a penalty just eight minutes into the second half, putting the game beyond Verona's reach."He is certainly working hard on our aggression and our attitude," Vlahovic said of new boss Thiago Motta. "We all agree that our attitude is the key to everything, if we have the right mentality, it all works better. We play for each other, but also there are tactical changes that we know about."Juventus will face their biggest test of the early season when they host Roma on Sunday. Meanwhile, Como secured their first Serie A point since 2003 with a 1-1 draw at Cagliari, thanks to Patrick Cutrone's second-half equalizer.

Juventus has made a significant addition to their squad with the signing of Argentine winger Nicolas Gonzalez from Fiorentina. The deal, worth a potential 38 million euros ($42.5 million), is part of the Turin giants' ongoing revamp under new coach Thiago Motta.Gonzalez joins Juventus on a season-long loan for eight million euros, with an obligation to buy for 25 million euros plus bonuses of five million euros. The bonuses are contingent upon the achievement of certain sporting objectives, which Juventus believes are highly likely to be met.The 26-year-old has been a key player for Fiorentina over the past three years, helping them reach the final of the Europa Conference League twice and the Italian Cup once. He has also earned 39 caps for Argentina, scoring five goals and playing a role in their recent Copa America and Finalissima triumphs.Gonzalez is expected to make his Juventus debut next weekend against Roma. By then, the club is also likely to have completed the signing of Francisco Conceicao from Porto on a one-season loan.Juventus has been active in the transfer market this summer, bringing in Douglas Luiz and Khepren Thuram. They are also pursuing Atalanta's star midfielder Teun Koopmeiners.The addition of Gonzalez, a versatile and experienced winger, will provide Juventus with much-needed depth and quality in attack. He is expected to play a key role in Motta's plans as the club looks to challenge for major honors this season.

Juventus and Atalanta kicked off their Serie A campaigns with emphatic victories, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical adaptability.Juventus, under the guidance of new manager Thiago Motta, cruised to a 3-0 triumph over promoted Como. Samuel Mbangula, Timothy Weah, and Andrea Cambiaso found the net for the Turin giants, who dominated the match from start to finish. Despite hitting the woodwork twice, Dusan Vlahovic was denied a goal due to an offside call.Motta's Juve displayed a more fluid and attacking style of play compared to their previous regime under Massimiliano Allegri. The team created numerous chances and controlled possession throughout the match.Meanwhile, Atalanta, despite facing transfer turmoil and injuries, made a resounding statement with a 4-0 thrashing of Lecce. New signings Marco Brescianini and Mateo Retegui made their mark, scoring two goals each. Brescianini opened the scoring with a rebound, while Retegui netted a bullet header and converted a penalty.Brescianini, a local product from Bergamo, expressed his delight at his impressive debut. Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini acknowledged the challenges posed by injuries and transfer requests but remained optimistic about building a strong team.Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi hinted at the possibility of reconciliation with Teun Koopmeiners and Ademola Lookman, who have been linked with moves away from the club.Both Juventus and Atalanta have set the tone for their respective seasons with impressive performances. Juventus will look to continue their winning ways when they face Sampdoria next, while Atalanta will aim to maintain their momentum against Monza.

Juventus and Massimiliano Allegri have parted ways by mutual agreement, ending the Italian's second spell as manager of the Turin giants. The decision comes two weeks after Allegri was sacked following an outburst during the Italian Cup final victory over Atalanta.Allegri, 56, had been in charge of Juventus since 2021, having previously managed the club from 2014 to 2019. During his two spells, he guided the Bianconeri to 12 trophies, including five Serie A titles and four Italian Cups.However, Allegri's second stint at Juventus was marred by inconsistency and a lack of success in Europe. The team finished third in Serie A this season, 23 points behind champions Inter Milan, and were eliminated from the Champions League in the round of 16 by Villarreal.Allegri's behavior during the Italian Cup final, where he was sent off for ranting at match officials and dismissively waved away Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, led to an investigation by the Italian Football Federation's disciplinary authorities.The announcement of Allegri's departure opens the door for former Italy midfielder Thiago Motta to be named as the new Juventus boss. Motta guided Bologna to fifth place and Champions League qualification this season.

In a thrilling encounter that could potentially shape Thiago Motta's future, his Bologna side surged ahead against Juventus but ultimately succumbed to a dramatic 3-3 draw on Monday.Motta, whose contract with Bologna expires at the end of the season, has been linked with a move to Juventus following Massimiliano Allegri's dismissal. His team, a revelation this season, has already secured Champions League qualification and currently sits third in the Serie A standings.Juventus, playing their first match since Allegri's departure, started sluggishly. Bologna capitalized on their lethargy, with Riccardo Calafiori and Santiago Castro scoring within the first 11 minutes. Jens Odgaard's goal was ruled offside, but Bologna continued to dominate.After a halftime pep talk from interim coach Paolo Montero, Juventus emerged with renewed vigor. Castro's error in midfield allowed Federico Chiesa to pull one back for the visitors. Substitute Arkadiusz Milik equalized with a deflected free kick, and Kenan Yildiz completed the comeback just a minute later.Montero celebrated wildly on the touchline, while Motta's Bologna imploded in the closing stages. The draw preserved Bologna's third-place position, but it also raised questions about Motta's ability to handle the pressure of a top club like Juventus.Motta has remained coy about his future, stating that he has not made any decisions or signed any contracts. However, the speculation surrounding his potential move to Juventus is likely to intensify following this rollercoaster match.

Juventus emerged victorious in the Italian Cup final, defeating Atalanta 1-0 thanks to a fourth-minute strike from Dusan Vlahovic. The win marked Juventus' 15th Italian Cup triumph, ending a three-year trophy drought for the Turin giants.Vlahovic's early goal proved decisive as Juventus' resolute defense held firm against Atalanta's attacking prowess. The Serbian striker, who also had a goal disallowed for offside in the second half, was a constant threat to Atalanta's backline.Atalanta, who were seeking their first major trophy since 1963, struggled to break down Juventus' organized defense. Despite fielding an attack-minded lineup, Gian Piero Gasperini's team failed to register a single shot on target.The closest Atalanta came to equalizing was when Ademola Lookman's shot cannoned off the base of the post with 10 minutes remaining. However, Juventus held on to secure the victory and lift the trophy.Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri, who was sent off late in the game, hinted that his second spell as Juve coach could be coming to an end. "If I'm gone next season, because I've already been sacked in the media, we're in the Champions League and have won a trophy," Allegri said.Atalanta now turn their attention to securing Champions League football through Serie A and next week's Europa League final. The Bergamo club, who are fifth in Italy's top flight, face Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin in their first-ever European final.

AC Milan and Juventus played out a disappointing 0-0 draw in Serie A on Saturday, extending their recent struggles. The result leaves Juventus looking over their shoulders in the race for Champions League qualification, while Milan's hopes of a top-four finish are fading.Juventus, who have won just two of their last 13 league matches, were the more dominant side in Turin but failed to find a breakthrough. Milan, depleted by injuries and suspensions, defended resolutely and had their chances on the counterattack.The Bianconeri had the best chance of the first half when Dušan Vlahović's free kick was brilliantly saved by Marco Sportiello. Sportiello was again in inspired form after the break, making a double save to deny Filip Kostić and Danilo.Milan also had their moments, with Rafael Leão and Olivier Giroud both going close. However, the Rossoneri were unable to find the winning goal and had to settle for a point.The draw leaves Juventus third in the table, 11 points above Atalanta but with two games in hand. Milan remain fifth, five points behind Juventus. The top five teams in Serie A qualify for next season's Champions League.In other Serie A action, Lazio moved into sixth place with a 1-0 win over Hellas Verona. Mattia Zaccagni scored the only goal of the game in the 72nd minute.Lecce took another step towards safety with a 1-1 draw at home to Monza. Nikola Krstović thought he had won it for Lecce in stoppage time, but Matteo Pessina equalized from the spot after a handball by Lorenzo Venuti.

Juventus secured a berth in the Italian Cup final despite a 2-1 defeat in the second leg of their semi-final against Lazio. The Turin giants advanced with a 3-2 aggregate victory, thanks to Arkadiusz Milik's late strike.Nursing a 2-0 first-leg advantage, Juventus found themselves trailing 2-0 on the night after Valentin Castellanos' brace. The Argentinian forward headed Lazio in front with a thunderous header from a corner and doubled their lead with a low shot into the bottom corner shortly after the restart.Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri responded by bringing on forwards Timothy Weah and Milik, and the double change paid immediate dividends. Weah's cross found Milik, who prodded home with his first touch on 83 minutes to settle Juve's nerves.The Turin side will now face either Atalanta or Fiorentina in the May 15 final, with the Florence outfit leading 1-0 before Wednesday's return leg."We suffered against a good side, so we're happy to be in the final," said Milik. "We know we have to play better in the final, and we know we can play better."Juventus are bidding to win the Coppa Italia for the 15th time and despite only two wins in 12 matches are third in Serie A."The great satisfaction here is to have reached this final, it will boost us for the end of the league where we still need a few points to qualify for the Champions League," said a relieved Allegri.

Juventus and Bologna's Champions League aspirations suffered setbacks on Saturday as they were held to goalless draws by Torino and Monza, respectively. The Turin derby stalemate and Bologna's second consecutive draw leave Juve four points ahead of their rivals in the race for a top-four finish.Despite Italy's strong performances in European competitions this season, securing an additional Champions League spot for Serie A next year, Juve's recent form has been concerning. Massimiliano Allegri's side has won only twice in their last 11 matches and now trail Inter Milan by 19 points in the title race."We haven't obtained our goals yet... it's a football goal for those of us involved with the team but an economic one for the club," said Allegri, whose team missed out on European football last year due to a points deduction.Juve failed to capitalize on their chances against Torino, with Dusan Vlahovic hitting the post in the opening minutes and being denied by Vanja Milinkovic-Savic later in the game. Torino also had a goal ruled out for a foul, leaving them in ninth place.Bologna's hopes of a historic Champions League debut were also dented by Monza. The Rossoblu have not played in Europe's top club competition since 1964, but their recent form has been disappointing.Meanwhile, Roma can move within a point of Bologna with a win at Udinese on Sunday. The Giallorossi are in fifth place and boosted by their first-leg victory over AC Milan in the Europa League quarter-finals.In other Serie A action, Nicola Sansone's late strike gave Lecce a crucial 1-0 win over Empoli. The victory lifts Lecce six points clear of the relegation zone.