Juventus 2-0 Lazio: match report and goals, Serie A 2017-18
Juventus overcame Lazio at home in their second matchday of the 2017-18 Serie season thanks to a goal in each half. Cristiano Ronaldo, on his home debut was notably quiet.
Juventus vs Lazio: match report
As we should get used to this season, many of the world's eyes in Saturday evening's Serie A game between Juventus and Lazio were focused on their new signing, Cristiano Ronaldo. For what it's worth, although sporadically involved in the game, La Vecchia Signora's new star had a relatively quiet match. However, as many opposing teams have found out, that doesn't mean he wasn't involved in a decisive moment.
The opening exchanges were without any clear pattern. Both teams had possession of the ball for short periods but neither created any clear chances. This non-descript play would form much of the rest of the game at the Allianz Stadium but two goals, one in either half, would ensure a second win of the season for the reigning champions.
Bosnian midfielder Miralem Pjanić was the man to open things up after 30 minutes, and what a way to do it. A sweet cut down on the ball as it bounced up outside the area saw it fly into the bottom right-hand corner. Strakosha in the Lazio goal could do nothing about it. From then the hosts managed the game well without being overly adventurous.
Chances came and went, most for the home side, but both goalkeepers were, for much of the game protected from danger from the packs in front of them. That was until the 75th minute when Douglas Costa's cross from the right was far enough from the outstretched dive of Strakosha to allow only a deflection from the Albanian. That touch was enough to deny Cristiano a tap in, however, as the ball bounced up off the Portugal player's standing foot, Mandzukic was on-hand to volley home.
Juventus vs Lazio: how it happened
Juventus vs Lazio: preview
Cristiano Ronaldo will make his home debut at the Allianz Stadium this evening, as Juventus take on Lazio, and the home crowd will be hoping to see their new star bag his first goal Serie A goal.
The ex-Madrid striker failed to get on the scoreboard in Juve’s 3-2 away victory over Chievo Verona last week, a game in which they were lucky to come away with three points. Coach Massimiliano Allegri, whose only injury concern is Leonardo Spinazzola, will be expecting a more convincing performance from his side this evening in front of the home crowd in Turin. Another summing signing, Emre Can could make his first start for Juventus and would also join Ronaldo in making his Serie A home debut.
Lazio will look to make amends for their opening-day 1-2 defeat at home to Napoli, although their defence will have their work cut out to keep Juve’s probable Mandzukic-Ronaldo strike partnership in check. Lazio, who finished fifth last season, will be hoping to at least bag a point from this game as they push for a Champions League spot this year.
Juventus, meanwhile, will be expecting nothing less than winning their eighth successive Serie A title this season and two wins from two games would be the perfect start to the Cristiano era.