Juventus 1-0 Sturm Graz (3-1 Agg.): Del Piero Gives Passage To Group Stage
Juventus are through to the UEFA Europa League group stage after a narrow 1-0 win over Sturm Graz in Turin and they had captain Alessandro Del Piero to thank as his magnificent effort was the difference ensuring the Italians went through 3-1 on aggregate.
Sturm Graz knew they needed to score to give them a fighting chance in the tie, and their intention from the off was to attack. The visitors put Juventus under pressure right away creating a number of opportunities but the centre-back pairing of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci held up well.
Juve however were not content to sit and soak up Graz pressure, but instead took control of the game and exploited any space Graz were leaving in behind them. Simone Pepe was constantly finding himself in promising positions but his delivery was somewhat lacking.
Graz were not willing to lay down and surrender to the Turin giants, and were intent on showcasing their own attacking talent with Imre Szabics having the Austrians’ best chance when he broke free of Chiellini but could only strike the post.
This was a warning to the home side and not to be outdone they themselves hit the post through captain Alessandro Del Piero, who was exerting a considerable influence on the match. But no-one could make the breakthrough and both teams went in at the break level.
With Graz showing tremendous spirit in their attempts to work a way into the match, Juventus entered the second half the stronger side.
It wasn’t long before the Bianconeri took the lead and it was Alessandro Del Piero who scored. He controlled the ball on the left, beat his marker then curled a shot into the far corner from the angle of the 18 yard box.
By now it was all Juventus, chance after chance was presented to Pepe, Bonucci and an impressive Jorge Martinez, but none were taken and the Bianconeri saw out the match to guarantee themselves a spot in the group stage
Juventus will kick off their Serie A campaign away to Bari , while Sturm Graz will be looking to bounce back against Wiener Neustadt on Sunday in the Austrian Bundesliga.
