Juventus‘ unconvincing start to the season continued as they came from two goals down to grab a 2-2 draw against Salernitana at the Allianz Stadium in Serie A on Sunday evening.
The Bianconeri found themselves two goals down in the first half as Antonio Candreva and Krzyzstof Piatek put the visitors in control, only for Bremer to halve the deficit early in the second period.
However, with Salernitana on the brink of a first-ever victory over their more illustrious hosts, Juventus fought back in stoppage time through a Leonardo Bonucci goal after a missed penalty. They then looked to have won it with an Arkadiusz Milik header on the stroke of the final whistle, only for it to be ruled out by VAR.
Salernitana exploit Juventus’ weaknesses
Against the run of play, Salernitana took the lead through Candreva at the back post. Juan Cuadrado was easily beaten by Pasquale Mazzocchi and he burst into the box to send in a low cross for his fellow wing-back to bundle in.
Juventus struggled to force an opening and were put on the backfoot by Salernitana‘s energy on the flanks, but looked to have drawn level shortly before half-time. Dusan Vlahovic showed great strength to hold off the defence and tuck the ball home from a tight angle, but the pass to him was delayed and the Serb was ruled offside.
Yet on the stroke of the interval, things went from bad to worse for Juventus as a Piatek shot clipped Bremer’s and a penalty was given. The Polish striker made no mistake from the spot, sending Mattia Perin the wrong way and the visiting fans into raptures.
Juventus were given a lifeline early in the second half when Bremer met a teasing Filip Kostic cross to power home a header, and moments later they were almost level as a clumsy Federico Fazio clearance from a Vlahovic cross came off the post.
Despite good opportunities for Vlahovic, Leandro Paredes and Arkadiusz Milik, the Bianconeri were unable to find an equaliser until deep into stoppage time.
Drama in the dying minutes
Alex Sandro was clipped by Tonny Vilhena in the box and despite Luigi Sepe stopping Bonucci’s penalty, the centre-back lashed home the rebound and looked to have secured a point.
Yet in an incredible series of events in the dying minutes, Milik headed home what looked to be a dramatic winner and was shown a second yellow card for his celebration, only for Bonucci to stray offside in the build-up. The ensuing reaction saw Fazio and Cuadrado also sent off, in addition to Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri.
