Miretti’s free‑kick sparks Juventus’ Belgian KO surge
Matteo Miretti’s powerful free‑kick broke the deadlock for Juventus, giving the Bianconeri an early advantage in the Juve‑Standard KO on a crisp Belgian evening in Liège. The strike marked the Italian side’s first match of the campaign and set the tone for the encounter in Belgium.
The opening half unfolded at a fairly slow tempo, with both teams creating few chances and the ball moving cautiously across the midfield. Juventus struggled to find rhythm, and the match appeared evenly balanced as the first 45 minutes slipped by.
After the interval, head coach Massimiliano Spalletti urged his squad forward, rotating several players and injecting fresh energy. The tactical shift aimed to unlock the deadlock and gave the Italians a renewed impetus.
The adjustment paid off when Miretti stepped up to take a free‑kick from the edge of the box, curling a powerful shot into the net for Juventus’ first pre‑season goal. The goal restored Juventus’ momentum and put them ahead in the friendly.
Miretti, who had already impressed in training, followed his strike with a near‑brace, only to waste a clear opportunity in front of the Standard goalkeeper. The effort underscored his technical quality on display.
Defensively, Juventus managed the game in an organized fashion, limiting Standard to just two shots on target. Disciplined positioning frustrated the Belgian attackers, highlighting positive signs at the back.
In the closing stages, Juventus saw the game out without any real trouble, maintaining control and securing the win that marked their first victory of the pre‑season schedule. The Bianconeri will travel to Nice on 31 July for another friendly, continuing their summer preparation ahead of the new campaign.