Manuel Pellegrini’s team arrived at the Arechi stadium to face the last Scudetto champions, and a team full of fantastic players. Somewhat different to the classic Italian style of play, however Antonio Conte’s team showed impressive ball work, with the home side on the leader board within three minutes thanks to a goal from Matri.
Málaga refused to be intimidated and retaliated immediately, gaining control of the ball and dominating part of the first half in their search for an equaliser. Play between Isco, Joaquín and Portillo saw the first opportunities to score, including an impressive shot by Joaquín that went over the bar, and a header from Sebas, saved by keeper Storari, substituted by Buffon. The second half began as almost a carbon copy of the first, and within three minutes a kick from midfield resulted in Matri’s second goal for Juve.
Following the second goal, both teams made changes, with Málaga staying true to form, creating danger in the penalty area. Isco – who had another shot at goal that hit the crossbar – Portillo and Juanmi didn’t allow the locals to relax for a second on the pitch, creating numerous chances to score during the last part of the second half. As the whistle blew, the match ended in a 2-0 defeat for the Blue and Whites, playing against one of the best teams in Europe.
Moayet Shatat was present in the Italian stadium, representing the owner of Málaga CF, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani, along with adviser Francisco Martín Aguilar and Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta.
Match stats
Juventus FC: Storari (Leali, minute 88); Lichsteiner (Bonucci, minute 77), Marrone (Rugani, minute 88), Lucio (Masi, minute 77); Padoin (Untersee, minute 77), Vidal (De Ceglie, minute 46; Ziegler, minute 89), Marchisio (Pazienza, minute 88), Pirlo (Pogba, minute 77), Asamoah; Giovinco (Boakye, minute 77) and Matri (Quagliarella, minute 77).
Málaga CF: Caballero; Jesús Gámez (Sergio Sánchez, minute 59), Demichelis, Mathijsen (Weligton, minute 46), Monreal (Eliseu, minute 85); Isco (Duda, minute 85), Toulalan, Maresca (Camacho, minute 59), Portillo; Joaquín (Buonanotte, minute 78) and Sebastián Fernández (Juanmi, minute 59).
Goals:
1-0 (minuto 3): Matri.
2-0 (minuto 48: Matri.
Referee: Domenico Celi, from Bari.
Information: Friendly match held in the Arechi Stadium in Salerno, in front of a crowd of 24,852.
