Didier Deschamps this evening faced his first game in charge as Juventus coach at the “Moccagatta” stadium, Alessandria. Facing the Turin giants in the first of their 2006/07 pre-season friendlies were a local representative side composed of players from the lower leagues. Juventus President Cobolli Gigli and Sporting Director Alessio Secco were among the spectators. From the outset Juventus dominated possession, pitching camp in the opponent’s half. Marchionni, Bojinov and Olivera all saw their attempts on goal thwarted by the Alessandria keeper, clearly up for the game of his life, but Juventus eventually made the break-through, an Olivera corner thumped into his own net by unfortunate Alessandria defender, Bobbio. The first half ended with Juventus pushing hard for a second goal but it was after the restart that the bianconeri found their true form. Deschamps rang the changes, bringing on Kapo, Palladino, Guzman and Bartolucci on for Balzaretti, Zalayeta, Bojinov and Olivera and the new faces made an immediate impact, another own goal making it 2-0 after a great run down the left flank by Kapo. The Frenchman then added a third minutes later from a Guzman cut back and the flood gates opened. Five more followed with goals from Guzman, Paro and a hat-trick from Palladino. The bianconeri ended the evening with an 8-0 victory to their name, giving both Didier Deschamps and the Juve faithful something to shout about.

Match details

GOALS: 28’ Bobbio R. (og), 53’ Bruno (og), 55’ Kapo, 71’ Palladino, 72’ Guzman, 72’ Paro, 80’ Palladino, 81’ Palladino

ALESSANDRIA (REPRESENTATIVE 11): Spitaleri, Boyomo, Llombart, Marengo, Bobbio, Bruno R., Crosetti, Carozzi, Aime, Montante, Minetto. Subs: Cimiano, Merlo, Bruno G., Marchelli, Giraud, Berberi, De Filippo, Pellizzari, Guarrera, Gaggero. Coach(es). Merlo/Semino/Negretti.

JUVENTUS: Mirante, Balzaretti (1’st Kapo), Chiellini (10’st De Ceglie), Masiello (31’st Calanchi), Birindelli, Paro, Marchisio, Marchionni (10’st Sculli), Zalayeta (1’st Palladino), Bojinov (1’st Guzman), Olivera (1’st Bartolucci). Subs: Trini, Calanchi, Rossi. Coach. Deschamps.

Referee: Penno (Nichelino)