By TURIN, Italy — Juventus opened their Serie A campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over newly promoted Como at the Allianz Stadium on Monday, giving new coach Thiago Motta a successful competitive debut.
Samuel Mbangula opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a solo effort, driving infield and striking the ball into the bottom corner. Timothy Weah extended the lead in first-half stoppage time, lashing home from Kenan Yildiz’s cutback, with the ball bouncing in off the inside of the bar.
Andrea Cambiaso sealed the win with a long-range effort just before full time, after Dusan Vlahovic had several close attempts.
The victory marks Juventus’ 60th win on the opening matchday of a Serie A season, more than any other club in the competition’s history. It’s their eighth win in the last nine season openers, with one draw.
Weah’s goal was particularly notable, as he became the 13th U.S. men’s national team player to score in more than one of Europe’s top five leagues and the first to do so in both Ligue 1 and Serie A.
Juventus displayed defensive solidity, not conceding a single shot on target for the second time this calendar year. The previous instance was during a goalless draw with Milan in April.
Como, managed by former Barcelona and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, struggled to make an impact against the dominant Juventus side.
Juventus, who finished third behind champions Inter and Milan last season, securing their return to the Champions League, will face Verona away on August 26 in their next fixture.
The comprehensive victory sets a positive tone for Juventus’ campaign under Motta, who took over the managerial role this summer. The former Italian international midfielder will be looking to build on this strong start as the season progresses.
Como, meanwhile, face a challenging road ahead as they adjust to life in Italy’s top flight after earning promotion last season.
