06 August 2014
Over 60,000 Indonesian supporters were treated to a night to remember as Juventus rifled eight past ISL All-Stars kick off their Asia-Pacific tour in style.
Made to feel at home from the moment they stepped out at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Massimiliano Allegri’s men rewarded their magnificent public support with a host of goals and excitement.
An early Srdjan Lopicic goal for the hosts was almost instantly cancelled out by crowd favourite Andrea Pirlo, who sent his adoring public into ecstasy when he converted from the spot on five minutes.
His penalty sparked the opening of the floodgates as Juventus truly began to turn on the style. Leading the charge was Fernando Llorente, whose perfect hat-trick – shot, volley, header - in the space of just six minutes placed the visitors firmly in the driving seat.
Goalscorer then turned provider, teeing up for strike partner Sebastian Giovinco to pick out the bottom corner with an effort that took the tally to five come the half-time whistle.
With debutant Patrice Evra and Carlos Tevez on for the start of the second-half, Juventus continued to move the ball around neatly in their bid to extend the scoreline.
It was, however, two other substitutes who provided the impetus for goal number six, Simone Pepe feeding Kingsley Coman for his first strike in the black and white stripes following a summer switch from PSG.
Experiencing plenty of joy down the right-hand side, Pepe then doubled his assist tally with a simple cut-back for Carlos Tevez, before getting in on the act himself on the stroke of 90 minutes.
The final whistle sparked rapturous applause from the local fans, whose love and passion for the black and white stripes will live long in the memories of those fortunate enough to be part of a spectacular evening in Jakarta.
Next stop, Australia.
