New England Soccer Today

Juventus, Roma Go to PKs at Gillette

Photo credit: Chris Aduama/aduamaphotography.com

There was no shortage of drama at Gillette Stadium on Sunday as Juventus edged Roma on penalties in a 1-1 draw before a crowd of 33,039 during its International Champions Cup clash in Foxboro, Mass.

Douglas Costa scored the decisive penalty to send the defending Serie A champions to victory. Mario Mandzukic put Juve ahead in the 29th minute before Edin Dzeko equalized in the 74th minute. Per ICC rules, the match went to penalties with the score level at full time.

“This tournament was very good for us,” Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri said through a translator. “We’re very thankful and appreciative for all who hosted us.”

Roma was back in the Boston area after playing preseason friendlies at Fenway Park in 2012 and 2014. Juve’s last appearance in the region came in 2003 when they faced Barcelona at Gillette Stadium in front of 30,912.

Sunday’s match marked the Stateside farewell for the Serie A giants. Juventus will kick off its title defense on Aug. 19 while Roma will start its 2017-18 campaign pitted against Atalanta.

“The competition to win the scudetto (again) will be very challenging,” Allegri said.

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