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Over the last few years, one of the most infuriating things about Juventus has been their inability to control games against clearly inferior opposition. Losing points against Serie A\u2019s minnows has caused the collective blood pressure of the club\u2019s fan base to spike far too much for our liking.<\/p>\n
So, as Juventus entered the Club World Cup, knowing that a date with Manchester City awaited them in Matchday 3, they knew that taking care of business in their first two games, against opposition of far less quality, would be important if they were to advance. Falling into the usual trap against inferior competition could put them in quite the bind.<\/p>\n
Their opening match came Wednesday night against Al Ain, the most successful team in the United Arab Emirates. But being the UAE\u2019s version of Juventus did not mean they were anywhere close to the Bianconeri\u2019s level. <\/p>\n
And for once, Juve made that incredibly clear. Up 3-0 after half an hour and 4-0 when the teams went in for halftime, Juve had no issues putting the Emirati club to the sword, ultimately winning 5-0 to take first place in Group G on goal differential.<\/p>\n
Fresh off a contract extension confirming his job for the 2025-26 season, Igor Tudor brought 26 players to the tournament, although some were still not in game shape. Manuel Locatelli was deemed fit only for the bench after injuring his ankle on international duty, and Bremer was not risked \u2014 nor will he be \u2014 as he continues his recovery from his torn ACL in early October. Tudor sent his charges out in his usual 3-4-2-1, with Michele Di Gregorio at its base. Pierre Kalulu, Nicol\u00f2 Savona, and Lloyd Kelly formed the back line. Alberto Costa and Andrea Cambiaso played as wing-backs, while Kh\u00e9phren Thuram and Weston McKenniee took up position in midfield. Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Concei\u00e7\u00e3o backed up Randal Kolo Muani up front.<\/p>\n
Al-Ain coach Vladimir Ivic countered with a 5-3-2. Anchoring the formation was the one name familiar to most European listeners, Rui Patricio, who was making his competitive debut for the Emerati side. Abdoul Traor\u00e9, Rami Rabia, Marcel Ratnick, Kouame Kouadio, and Facundo Zabala stretched across the back line. Mat\u00edas Palacios, Alejandro Romero, and Park Yong-woo manned the midfield, while Soufiane Rahimi paired with Kodjo Laba up top.<\/p>\n