ROME (AP) - Angel Di Maria made a brilliant Serie A debut on Monday, scoring one and setting up another to help Juventus open the new season with a comfortable 3-0 home victory over Sassuolo.
Juve ended last season empty-handed, and entered Monday’s game without Federico Chiesa, Paul Pogba, Wojciech Szczesny, Moise Kean and Adrien Rabiot. Di Maria, who joined the Bianconeri from PSG in the summer on a free transfer, got the nod in the starting line-up, while fellow new arrival Filip Kostic was on the bench.
After a run of plays, the home side broke the deadlock in the 25th minute as Alex Sandro rolled across from the left and Di Maria hit a first-time volley that looped over the goalkeeper.
Dusan Vlahovic doubled the lead before the break as he converted a penalty after being tripped in the box.
Juve added another goal minutes into the second half when Sassuolo were caught napping by Di Maria, whose pass found Vlahovic to seal the win.
The only downside for the Old Lady was Di Maria’s injury, as he was subbed off to be replaced by Fabio Miretti.
Also on Monday, Napoli dominated Hellas Verona 5-2 with five players on the scoresheet.