Shanghai, Aug 9 (IANS) Juventus captured its seventh Italian Super Cup title with a 2-0 victory over Lazio, getting a goal apiece from newly signed strikers Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala.
Juventus, which won last season’s Serie A and Coppa Italia titles, got its 2015-16 campaign off to an auspicious start here on Saturday despite the departure of several players instrumental in its recent success, including Carlos Tevez, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo, reports EFE.
Turin-based Juventus, which also was without key players such as Alvaro Morata, Sami Khedira and Giorgio Chiellini due to injuries, still had too much firepower for Lazio Saturday at Shanghai Stadium.
The Roman club, which qualified for the Super Cup on the basis of its runner-up finish in last season’s Coppa Italia, stayed even with Juventus in the first half thanks to a strong play from goalkeeper Federico Marchetti.
But Mandzukic got Juventus on the board by rising up and heading a cross from midfielder Stefano Sturaro into the back of the net in the 69th minute.
Four minutes later, Dybala, who had come on 15 minutes into the second half, received a pass from Paul Pogba in the middle of the penalty area and blasted a powerful left-footed shot that brushed the crossbar before landing in the upper part of Lazio’s goal.
In remarks to the Sky network, Dybala said it was an “unforgettable” experience to score in his first-ever appearance in the Juventus jersey.
With the win, Juventus now have a record seven Italian Super Cup titles, one more than rivals AC Milan.