04 November 2025
Juventus’ UEFA Youth League Matchday 4 fixture with Sporting CP ended 2-2 at the Allianz Training Center in Vinovo, in what was really a game of two halves.
THE MATCH
Juventus started in the best possible way and dominated the opening exchanges. Marco Tiozzo was heavily involved from the off, and took the lead through Patryk Mazur.
The visitors appeared temporarily shocked to have fallen behind, and Simone Padoin’s side took advantage of that, continuing to push in search of another goal. That sought-after second did arrive through Tiozzo, who was on hand to turn home a rebound after Gabrielle Finocchiaro’s long-range strike crashed off the crossbar.
The Portuguese were left needing a big response, and they came close to halving the deficit through their own effort that hit the woodwork, but they couldn’t manage to get that goal back before the break.
After half-time, though, things changed. The visitors were the stronger side from the start of the second half, and they were threatening. For much of the half, though, they couldn’t get that breakthrough.
But as the 90th minute approached, Zaid Bafdili timed his run into the box to perfection to finish for their first, and they had hope then.
Juventus were mentally and physically drained, and it took its toll on them. As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Paulo Simao drew Sporting level. Remarkably, they could have won it even later, but Flavio Goncalves was unable to put his attempt on target despite being well placed.
And so it ended with four goals evenly shared, and a point apiece.
PADOIN’S POST-MATCH COMMENTS
“It’s hard to explain this result. We wanted to win and to keep a clean sheet. [Riccardo] Radu in goal was outstanding, and there was very little to suggest that a double blow was going to come at the end. We played 60 excellent minutes, we pressed well, looked good technically, combined well, and played with a high line. We had to drop deeper then, and we held on until the last few minutes. We wanted all three points, especially with an eye on the last two League Phase games, now things are more complicated for us. But I can’t fault the guys really, they were excellent today. This game will help in their development, to help them understand that every match must be played at full throttle, and that’s what they did today. We’re really disappointed, but we’ve learned a lot in these four European games. We’ve only taken one point, but have played against four of the best youth sides in Europe, and competing with them should make these boys believe they can take on anybody.”
Men's First Team coach Luciano Spalletti and Club management were in attendance in Vinovo, about which Padoin was pleased.
“When we heard he [Spalletti] was coming, we were delighted,” Padoin commented. “He’s somebody who completely devotes himself to the club environment, and he showed that again today. We want to thank him for being here, and I think the boys responded well to his presence, even though we couldn’t get over the line with the win.”
