Mbangula's local surprise in Juve's opening win over Como

Custom debut: Homegrown Samuel Mbangula scores Juve's first win on debut.
IMAGO/Italy Photo Press

After 21 long, painful and uncertain years, small northern Italian club Como 1907 were promoted to Serie A just a few months ago – all thanks to coach and former world player Cesc Fabregas.

The first mission in the Italian Senate, after the team's narrow elimination in the Italian Cup a week ago at the hands of the second division team Sampdoria Genoa led by coach Andrea Pirlo (3:4 in the end), produced the title holder Juventus Torino. So the club Who wants a new DNA under the leadership of coach Thiago Motta who was brought in specially?.

Mbangula with a perfect start

However, the opening minutes at the Allianz Stadium were still far from attacking freshness or angry, complex football. However, the Bianconeri put their own stamp on the game at times and were the superior team – also because Como could only keep up at times and made too many mistakes even when moving forward.

In the end, Juve fans had to wait a long time for their first real chance, due, among other things, to: Yildiz has been tied up for a long time and has the number 10 on his back. He didn't make any big moves. Vlahovic only came close in the 20th minute with a header.

Three minutes later came the surprise of the day: Mbangula, who was not expected to be in the starting line-up, scored to make it 1-0. The 20-year-old Belgian homegrown (brought into the Turin youth team from Anderlecht in 2020) bravely moved inside from his left flank, was not defended consistently enough and fired a humourless and precise shot into the bottom right (23rd). The 41-year-old former Munich player Pepe Reina could only take care of the underdog without a chance.

Only Vlahovic should be upset.

It continued with a narrow miss and a post strike from Vlahovic (42nd and 43rd), who was often seen looking nervous that evening. As well as some close offside situations, the Serb was also denied a goal by a team-mate (47th) – before another shot hit the post later (53rd) to complete the frustration.

But others shone – like winger Weah, who actually referred to muscle pain and the need to be substituted before his goal to make it 2-0. Then shortly before half-time, they got going again and fired over the line from the bottom edge of the bar after a great pass from Yildiz (45+1). His first Serie A goal in his 31st appearance.

Last but not least – after Strevizza had at least seriously scored for the visitors from Lake Como against a generally settled Juve defence around Gatti or Bremer (80th minute) – Cambiasso’s hour came. During a counterattack, the Italy international burst forward with passion and curled the ball into the bottom left corner with a curling shot – 3-0, final score (90+1). The defending champions celebrated their confident 3-0 opening win under new coach Thiago Motta, while Como knew they had to overcome other rivals to stay in the league.

The two teams will face off again next Monday (August 26). In his second game as Bianconeri coach, Thiago Motta and his teammates travel to Hellas Verona (8:45 p.m.). Newcomers Como will face Cagliari Calcio at 6:45 p.m.