Juventus again looked disjointed and prone to defensive errors after a 2-0 friendly defeat to Atletico Madrid, with Joao Felix and Angel Correa on target.
It is safe to say that the Bianconeri have stuttered so far in pre-season friendly games under coach Thiago Motta, still adapting to a changed squad and completely new tactical approach. This match was played on neutral turf at the Ullevi Stadium in Goteborg.
Michele Di Gregorio had to be on his toes to deny Marcos Llorente following a Juan Cabal defensive error, then Antoine Griezmann thumped the upright.
Dusan Vlahovic wasted some good chances before half-time, set up by Douglas Luiz and Tim Weah, but Atleti opened the scoring straight after the restart with substitute Joao Felix, making the most of an Angel Correa dummy.
Kenan Yildiz came so close to an equaliser when getting the shot away under pressure from Koke, but Cesar Azpilicueta made a decisive sliding block, then his curler was plucked out of the air.
Instead, Atleti doubled their advantage with Correa from the penalty spot after another Cabal error resulted in Giuliano Simeone – son of coach Diego and younger brother of Napoli striker Giovanni – being brought down.
Cabal continued to commit howlers, moments later an ill-advised back-heel inside his own penalty area forcing Di Gregorio into a save on Simeone.
It was another setback to close the summer after a 3-0 defeat to Nurnberg and 2-2 draw with Brest.
Atletico Madrid 2-0 Juventus
Felix 48 (A), Correa pen 85 (A).
