Juventus win Supercoppa Italiana thanks to Ronaldo header


Agencies | Published: January 17, 2019 13:09:46 | Updated: January 18, 2019 10:46:05


Cristiano Ronaldo scores Juventus' lone goal to secure Supercoppa Italiana trophy — Reuters photo

Cristiano Ronaldo's header was enough for Juventus to beat AC Milan and claim a record eighth Supercoppa Italiana (Italian Super Cup) in a game played in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night.

The Portugal forward nodded in Miralem Pjanic's lofted pass in the second half to settle a meeting between Italian football's two most successful clubs.

It was Ronaldo's 16th goal of the season for the Serie A leaders, the BBC reports.

Patrick Cutrone hit the crossbar for Milan, who had Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessie sent off.

Gonzalo Higuain, reportedly the subject of interest from Chelsea, was introduced as a substitute by Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso.

But the 31-year-old Argentina forward, who is currently on loan from Juventus, was unable to deliver an equalising goal for the Rossoneri, who were beaten 4-0 by Juve in the Coppa Italia final in May.

The trophy, which was being contested outside of Italy for the 10th time, is traditionally a clash between the Italian league and cup winners, but Milan qualified as Coppa Italia runners-up after Juve clinched the domestic double last season, according to a Reuters report.

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