Juventus bowed out of the Champions League with a narrow defeat against Paris Saint-Germain. However, it was enough to secure the Bianconeri their place in the Europa League, finishing third in the group.
A positive note was the return to action of Federico Chiesa. The number 7 played the closing 15 minutes, joined in the closing stages by youngsters Tommaso Barbieri and Enzo Barrenechea on their debuts.
THE MATCH
The difference in the opening 20 minutes was the accuracy in front of goal. In 7’ and 17’ Manuel Locatelli unleashed two shots, both of which whistled just wide of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s left-hand post. At the other end, Kylian Mbappé hit an unstoppable shot after side-stepping Federico Gatti and Locatelli. It was the French striker’s third goal in the two matches with Juve.
Juventus responded and pressed high as they set out for the equaliser. Fabio Miretti twice had the ball at his feet to level the score. His first effort was again driven wide of target, while his second, after being set up by Arek Milik, was blocked by a last-ditch lunge from Marquinhos.
Still, Juve pushed on and drew level with six minutes of the first half remaining. Locatelli picked out an excellent cross-field pass for Juan Cuadrado, whose header across the face of goal was pounced upon by Leonardo Bonucci. The captain slammed the ball home from close range.
Juve were deservedly level at the interval.
Juventus set out intent to complete the turnaround but there were no takers when first Adrien Rabiot then Cuadrado played dangerous passes into the area.
At the other end, Mbappé was always a threat. However, Wojciech Szczęsny foiled the winger’s effort on the hour. The Juve keeper then spilled an effort from distance from Sergio Ramos but smothered the danger at the second time of asking.
Paris restored their lead through substitute Nuno Mendes. The galloping full-back had been on the pitch only a matter of seconds before being sent through by Mbappé. After steadying himself with his first touch, he scored with his second.
With 15 minutes to play Federico Chiesa made his comeback, and looked keen to throw himself into the action as Juve sought their second equaliser on the night.
However, it wasn’t to be as PSG held on for the win.
JUVENTUS 1-2 PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN (HT: 0-1)
Scorers: 14′ Mbappé (P), 39′ Bonucci (J), 69′ Nuno Mendes (P).
JUVENTUS: Szczesny; Gatti, Bonucci, Alex Sandro; Cuadrado (88′ Barrenechea), Fagioli (88′ Barbieri), Locatelli (85′ Soulé), Rabiot, Kostic; Miretti (74′ Chiesa); Milik. Subs not used: Pinsoglio, Perin, Rugani. Coach: Allegri.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Ramos, Marquinhos, Bernat (67′ Nuno Mendes); Fabian Ruiz (20′ Renato Sanches), Verratti (87′ Danilo), Vitinha; Soler (67′ Ekitike); Mbappé, Messi. Subs not used: Rico, Letellier, Sarabia, Mukiele, Bitshiabu, Zaire-Emery. Coach: Galtier.
Referee: Del Cerro..
BOOKINGS: 15’ Gattti, 45’+1′ Milik, 76′ Fagioli, 84′ Verratti.