20 August 2016
A pleasing first-day performance
“I have to thank the boys, first of all because we’ve started better than last season. We played a good first half, putting Fiorentina under plenty of pressure, even if we overelaborated things at precisely the time when we needed to put the opposition to the sword. In the second half it was normal to note a slight drop in tempo, given that it’s the opening day and we’re still reaching peak condition. We conceded an equaliser from a corner, but Buffon wasn’t forced into any saves for the remainder of the match.”
Outstanding individual displays
“Higuain hasn’t just burst onto the scene tonight. He did brilliantly to capitalise on that opportunity for the winner. Khedira is an excellent player and has been training only for the last 15 days. I’m very satisfied with Asamoah’s display. The boy endured a difficult past year or two through injury, but this term he’s really hit the ground running and is reaping the rewards. Dani Alves is a true champion of the game and so it’s easier for someone like him to bed into his new surroundings.”
Onwards and upwards from here
“The club has done a brilliant job in the transfer window to improve a team that last year won 26 out of 28 matches in an extraordinary run to the title. If we’re actually stronger than the previous campaign, only time will tell, but right now we simply have to concentrate on giving our all in every competition, raising our game all the time. I’ve a top group, who’ve great character and I believe that this has always been one of Juventus’ key strengths.”
