Thaindian News

Rome, Aug 24 (DPA) Juventus won 1-0 at home against Chievo to produce a better season opener than Serie A champions Inter Milan, who were held to an embarrassing 1-1 home draw against newcomers Bari.
Juve started the game Sunday at Turin’s Stadio Olimpico with good pressing and took the lead in the 11th minute through a Vincenzo Iaquinta aerial feat.

The international nodded the ball under the bar, soaring above Chievo defenders off a swerving free kick from Brazilian newcomer Diego.

Another header from Iaquinta, this time perfectly fed by Brazil’s Amauri, went begging in the 26th minute due to a defender.

There was little thrill in the remainder of the first half, save a missed deflection from Amauri, a wide drive from Diego and few counter-attacks from the guests, who managed to take home a 3-3 draw last season.

The guests were more aggressive after the break and often kept Juve in their midfield, but ran a major risk when Amauri hit the post in the 57th minute after a spurt from his compatriot Diego.

The new arrival from Werder Bremen came close in the 67th minute with a long-range attempt and was replaced by Mauro Camoranesi in the final minutes as Chievo desperately pressed to equalise.

In remaining action, Roma, who welcome Juve next weekend, lost 3-2 at Genoa, Palermo beat Napoli 2-1 in a southern-Italy derby and Italian Cup winners Lazio struggled to edge guests Atalanta 1-0.

Sampdoria snatched a last-gasp 2-1 win at 10-man hosts Catania, promoted Livorno and Cagliari drew 0-0, and newcomers Parma drew 2-2 at Udinese, who had Antonio Di Natale twice on target.

Giants AC Milan won 2-1 at Siena Saturday to hold a two-point lead on Inter ahead of next weekend’s city derby, while Fiorentina drew 1-1 at Bologna.