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Higuain and Pjanic see off Sassuolo

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Higuain and Pjanic see off Sassuolo
Higuain and Pjanic see off Sassuolo
Higuain and Pjanic see off Sassuolo

The Bianconeri put on a devastating display in front of their supporters on Saturday evening, as they saw off Sassuolo 3-1 thanks to goals by summer signings Gonzalo Higuain (2) and Miralem Pjanic.

Making his maiden start in Serie A for Juventus, Higuain made the biggest of early impacts on the match, netting twice in the first ten minutes to put the hosts instantly in the driving seat.

His first goal was a wonderfully driven effort from the edge of the area, which visiting keeper Andrea Consigli could do nothing about as it sailed past him low and hard into the far corner.

The second would see the Argentine react quickest in the area to hook Sami Khedira’s header beyond Consigli’s grasp once more to the roar of the capacity crowd at Juventus Stadium.

A great day for the Bianconeri’s new boys became an even better one when Pjanic, making his league debut for the club, turned home from close-range after Khedira had seen his header come off the crossbar.

By this point Sassuolo were severely shaken but managed to pull a goal back before the break when Alex Sandro’s defensive header cannoned off Luca Antei’s legs and into the net.

The hosts would enjoy the better of the chances after half-time, with Consigli forced into a smart save to prevent Pjanic from doubling his tally. The stopper also thwarted Stephan Lichtsteiner from close-range as Juve regularly knocked on the door for a fourth goal.

Virtually anonymous in the first period, the Neroverdi came to life somewhat after the 70-minute mark, Antonino Ragusa hitting the post before being flagged for offside.

Despite having to defend the odd attack in the closing stages, the Bianconeri were always in control of their destiny and they will now look to extend their perfect start to a fourth league fixture with next Sunday’s trip to Inter at the San Siro after kicking off their Champions League campaign at home to Sevilla on Wednesday night.

JUVENTUS

Buffon; Benatia, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Khedira (Hernanes 72), Lemina, Pjanic, Alex Sandro; Dybala (Pjaca 87), Higuain (Mandzukic 69)

Unused substitutes: Neto, Audero, Dani Alves, Barzagli, Rugani, Evra, Asamoah, Cuadrado

Manager: Allegri

SASSUOLO

Consigli, Magnanelli, Antei, Pellegrini (Missiroli 57), Matri (Iemmello 58), Peluso, Acerbi, Politano, Gazzola, Duncan, Ragusa (Ricci 80)

Unused substitutes: Pomini, Pegolo, Biondini, Lirola, Mazzitelli, Terranova, Cannavaro, Letschert, Adjapong

Manager: Di Francesco

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