An early Juventus blitz has given the Italian champions a winning end to their tour of Australia, defeating Tottenham 2-1 at the MCG.
Golden boy Paulo Dybala was in the thick of Tuesday night’s action, scoring the opener and looking a class above in an extended run for the Argentine international.
Despite substitute Erik Lamela’s 67th-minute strike, Medhi Benatia’s header after a quarter-hour proved to be the the winner.
Tottenham unveiled new signings Vincent Janssen, who made little impact in his hour-long debut, and the busy Victor Wanyama in midfield.
But a makeshift defence was Spurs undoing, with both Juventus goals coming from calamities at the back.
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino fielded an inexperienced back four, with only right-back Kieran Trippier boasting English Premier League minutes.
They were ruthlessly exposed inside the opening 14 minutes, with England youth international centre-back Dominic Ball melting down.
Roberto Pereyra caught the 20-year-old in possession, playing in countryman Dybala who emphatically finished a one-on-one chance against Michel Vorm after five minutes.
Dybala was in the mood, troubling Vorm with a swerving shot shortly after.
When the resulting corner wasn’t cleared, Ball hesitated before clearing straight to new signing Miralem Pjanic.
The Bosnian international’s chip-cross found fellow new boy Benatia, meeting the ball with a looping header that gave Vorm no chance.
In contrast to the Spurs’ shambles, Benatia composed the Juventus defence magnificently in his first outing for his new club.
After the break, it was Juventus’ turn to stumble.
Wanyama won the ball from a dithering Hernandes, setting up Lamela who fired past Neto for the consolation.
A combined total of 17 second-half substitutes opened the match up but the EPL side could not find a second, despite late chances falling to Lamela and Shayon Harrison.
Juventus will head to Hong Kong for another friendly, while Tottenham will end their International Champions Cup campaign on Friday against Spanish side Atletico Madrid.
Striker9
Roar Rookie
Agree AAMI stadium would have been better
yo
Guest
The Old Lady won the League title for the past 3 years in a row... The truth is: Rugby League is a little mouse in the rest of the world, and AFL is nothing. I've said it years ago. AFL won't survive the global economic crisis. And League possibly too.
AR
Guest
Personally, I think 31k for a nothing game is pretty good. Those that come on here to bag soccer probably just feel insecure about their own ordered sport. It's an exhibition game. Nothing more. I went lag year but couldn't care if it draws 30k or 100k. it's an event that appeals to some people.
Paul
Guest
And then over 41,000 turn up on a cold Friday night - can't wait to see how that compares to NRL, Super Rugby and even AFL crowds this weekend :)
Nemesis
Guest
Why has this discussion been sullied by people who clearly have no interest in the topic? Ben McKay has taken the time to post an opinion piece but the first post had nothing to do with Ben's article. I visit a few sports forums and such blatant attempts at baiting people on an internet forum would be swiftly erased and the poster banned. Is this website monitored? I just had a quick glance at other discussion boards and there doesn't seem to be any similar behaviour so it seems people behave sensibly elsewhere. Yet, I've noticed the same couple of posters every day have the sole purpose of writing sarcastic comments that have no bearing on the topic being discussed. It's a shame because the level of discussion from people who are interested is very good. EDIT: I should add, I had the match playing in the background whilst I was doing some after hours work and enjoyed the contest. I've watched a few of the ICC matches from the USA and China and if you treat them as exhibition matches then you won't be disappointed.
Josh
Guest
Harry's opinions are a perfect example of why AFL has failed so miserably in Western Sydney.
Carbuncle Junior
Guest
Good work chaps, those troIIs weren't going to feed themselves!
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Seeing quite a few Spurs fans walking around town this arvo.
Waz
Guest
What's wrong with the AFL tab that there's so many of their "fans" on here posting? What happened over there, did it close down? Nothing interesting to talk about?? What???
harry houdini
Roar Rookie
Tell someone who cares - seriously WGAF
Post hoc
Guest
Harry, I am the one commenting on a football site, because I like football, you appear to not like football and yet spend your time commenting about it here. And you think I have the problem? Wow you really have a strange view of the world
Realfootball
Guest
Thought this was a football tour. Didn't realise it was a history lesson. :) I note your use, intriguingly, of the term "football", MF. Quite out of character.
Realfootball
Guest
Monday is a terrible time slot for sport.
Realfootball
Guest
Good grief, MF, the day I feel honoured by the presence of a football side in my city, I will know I have completely lost any sense of perspective.
harry houdini
Roar Rookie
You have it big time-on world record pace really
harry houdini
Roar Rookie
Twisting twisting twisting - twisted
harry houdini
Roar Rookie
Of course most people don't care, but pretty clear you and the usual suspects care, day in, day out it appears that it is about the extent of your care factor
SVB
Guest
Apparently we all have small man syndrome, yet he is the one coming onto the Football reacting about anything negative said about AFL.
Post hoc
Guest
so everyone who doesn't follow AFL has a problem Harry?
harry houdini
Roar Rookie
Soccer has small Man syndrome in this country - and you specifically probably about everything. NSW has small man syndrome about sport in general, RL people also have it, you just go on ad nauseum year in year out with the same pathetic mantra.