1' min
It was a bittersweet evening for the Italian teams competing in the new single-group format of the Champions League. On September 17, Juventus and Milan took center stage, hosting PSV Eindhoven and Liverpool, respectively.
It was smooth sailing for Thiago Motta’s side in his debut as coach in this competition, as they comfortably dispatched the Dutch team led by former Bologna player Schouten. The match ended 3-1 at the Allianz Stadium with goals from Yildiz, McKennie, and Nico Gonzalez. The opening goal was a gem from the Turkish starlet, the youngest player in Juventus history to score in the Champions League at just 19 years and 136 days, surpassing his idol Alessandro Del Piero.
Surprisingly included in the starting lineup, McKennie proved his versatility both in midfield and in the box, scoring the second goal. Nico Gonzalez, the Argentine forward signed from Fiorentina this summer, also made his debut with a goal.
Milan’s Champions League journey, however, started on the wrong foot as they fell 1-3 at San Siro to Liverpool. Pulisic's goal in the third minute seemed to promise a magical evening for the Rossoneri, but it wasn't to be. The English side overturned the result in the first half with headed goals from Konate and Van Dijk, both from corner situations.
Szoboszlai added a third goal to seal the match. Milan's defense, still a work in progress under Paulo Fonseca, has already conceded nine goals between the league and European competitions. The crowd at the stadium voiced their displeasure at the final whistle.
