Post by Salem6 on Sept 11, 2006 12:17:46 GMT
The Romeo Neri stadium, Rimini, was the host for the opening game of the Bianconeri’s 2006/07 Serie B campaign. Jean-Alain Boumsong was making his debut at the heart of defence alongside Robert Kovac in a match which also saw Deschamps give the nod to Marcelo Zalayeta, paired up front with captain Del Piero. In the stands for the championship curtain raiser were John and Lapo Elkann, Carlo Sant’Albano, Juventus chairman Giovanni Cobolli-Gigli, CEO and director general Jean-Claude Blanc, director of football Alessio Secco, and marketing director Marco Fassone. The two teams observed a minute’s silence before kick-off in honour of Inter chairman Giacinto Facchetti who passed away on Monday.
Juventus started brightly, Nedved trying his luck from distance in the second minute after a neat lay-off from Del Piero released him in midfield. His low shot skidded wide but the Bianconeri had signalled their intent. Three minutes later the Czech released Marchionni on the right; the winger swung in a dangerous cross but Handanovic beat Zlayeta’s head to the ball to make the save. Juve continued to push for an opening goal and it was Marchionni again who searched out Zalayeta at the far post but the Uruguayan striker’s spectacular attempt at an overhead kick failed to make any connection and Rimini cleared their lines. On the quarter hour mark Nedved unleashed a fierce drive from the left edge of the box, Handanovic could only parry but his defence scrambled the ball out of danger. Five minutes later Del Piero released Marchionni on the right edge of the box with a clever angled ball, the winger raced in and launched a low shot towards goal but the Rimini number one was on hand to make yet another save. Rimini tried to feed Matri from the wings but Kovac and Boumsong were too strong for the lone striker. Late in the half Paro swung in a couple of dangerous free-kicks into the box but on both occasions the Rimini line held firm and the two teams entered the tunnel all square at half-time.
There were no changes at half-time as Juve picked up where they had left off at the end of the first period, dominating possession in search of a breakthrough. In the 53rd minute Zalayeta wriggled his way through to the bye line and chipped the ball back towards Del Piero on the penalty spot, but the Rimini defence managed to clear their lines once again. Two minutes later Buffon pulled off a fine reflex save after Matri had deflected Boumsong’s defensive header towards goal; the Juve keeper showing his quality when it mattered. On the 60 minute mark, Juventus finally broke the deadlock, Paro firing in with his right boot from the edge of the box after Nedved had seen his effort blocked by the Rimini defence (0-1). Three minutes later, Giannichedda made way for Bojinov, Nedved taking up a position in the middle of the park with the young Bulgarian out on the left. In the 67th minute Buffon made another fine save, parrying a powerful Jeda header from ten yards out, and minutes later, Juve had a one man advantage, Cristiano sent off after picking up a second yellow card. In the 73rd minute Nedved found space in the Rimini half, cutting inside and unleashing a powerful right footed drive towards goal. Handanovic made the save and a minute later, Rimini equalised, Ricchiuti making the most of some hesitant defending and firing the ball past the right of Buffon (1-1). In the 77th minute Marchionni was replaced by Camoranesi as Juventus looked to restore their lead. Four minutes later substitute Tasso tried his luck with a spectacular volley from the edge of the box, his wild effort ballooned over Buffon’s bar for a goal kick. In the 85th minute Palladino replaced Del Piero as Deschamps played his last card. Camoranesi tried to work some magic in the box but his efforts came to nothing, and three minutes later Nedved tried a powerful drive from the edge of the box after Handanovic had punched away a Paro free-kick. Juve kept on pushing, Chiellini sending a curling ball into the box from the left towards Zalayeta but Rimini held firm, defending hard and earning themselves a point.
RIMINI – JUVENTUS, 1-1
GOALS: Paro 60’, Ricchiuti 74’
RIMINI: Handanovic; Vitiello, Milone, Peccarisi, Regonesi; Barusso, Cristiano; Pagano (Baccin 66’), Ricchiuti, Jeda (Tasso 77’); Matri (Moscardelli 75’)
Subs not used: Pugliesi, Bravo, Digao, Valiani
Coach: Acori
JUVENTUS: Buffon, Birindelli, Kovac, Boumsong, Chiellini; Marchionni Camoransesi 77’), Giannichedda (Bojinov 63’), Paro, Nedved; Del Piero (Palladino 85’), Zalayeta
Subs not used: Mirante, Balzaretti, Marchisio, Guzman
Coach: Deschamps
REFEREE: Saccani
ASSISTANTS: Battaglia, Cariolato
4TH OFFICIAL: Ruini
BOOKED: Giannichedda 26’, Cristiano 30’, Barusso 40’, Birindelli 85’, Paro 90’
SENT OFF: Cristiano 69’ (second yellow card)
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