City came away from a sub-zero Stadio Olimpico with the result they needed to finish as group winners, following a second half strike by Jo levelling Gianetti’s 43rd minute opener. While City predictably fielded a reserve team, Juventus put out a strong side featuring the likes of del Piero, Krasic, Chiellini, Melo and Sissoko.
Consequently a draw was a more than satisfactory result, even if the match itself was never going to be a classic in front of 6,992 supporters. Mancini showed his quality when bringing on Zabaleta and enabling City to take control of midfield and force the equaliser.
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Given – Krasic gave Shay the opportunity to acrobatically tip over a drive in the 55th minute. Elsewhere this was another solid performance from the Irishman. 7
Richards – Captain for the night and was typically eager to get forward whenever possible. Defensively Micah was turned inside out by Del Piero when the veteran set set up Juve’s goal. 6
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When the draw for the Europa League group stages was made the trip to play Juventus appeared the most glamorous game in City’s recent European history. The reality is slightly different with Roberto Mancini set to name a second string side having already qualified for the knockout stages.
For Juve the scenario is worse as they are already out, having drawn all five groups thus far. It remains to be seen how strong a side Luigi Delneri, the Juventus manager, puts out.
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This was a game where both sides appeared to start out believing the other was there for the taking, before realising a mutual respect that saw them settle for a draw.
Aside from Del Piero cracking a free-kick against the bar, the competitive edge to this game was to be found in the first half. Juventus defied talk of their demise by flying out of the blocks with some slick passing and movement, the like of which we’re unaccustomed to in our domestic football.
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