Mario Mandzukic’s first-half goal secured a 1-0 victory for Juventus over Manchester City and sent the Italians through to the knockout stage and back into first place in Group D. Pellegrini must be hoping the English star returns to the pitch in a hurry.
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As the second half wore on neither side would be able to grab control of the clash, with both City and Juve having chances which could see further additions to the score-line.
Vincent Kompany, David Silva, Eliaquim Mangala, Pablo Zabaleta, Samir Nasri and Wilfried Bony were already on the injury list. They will also be concerned to have lost Joe Hart to injury late on.
After drawing another blank in Turin, City will certainly not thank the fixture list for pitting them against the team with the joint best defensive record on the road in the league.
Toure, who attracted some criticism for swapping shirts with Dybala at half-time, rued the missed chances.
But although City looked composed in possession, Juventus were even stronger and certainly more clinical in the final third.
Mandzukic answered his critics in the 18th minute when Alex Sandro sent over a cross from the left and the Croatia forward held off Nicolas Otamendi’s challenge to volley the ball in from close range. There are going to be players with more quality, but you have to keep up with the pace and go attack.
After the break, Hart’s counterpart Gianluigi Buffon conjured a fantastic stop, pushing a Fernando header against his left-hand post.
The England goalkeeper clutched his leg after making the block with an outstretched boot and limped off nine minutes from time. Moments later Hart left the field holding the top of his leg and was replaced by Willy Caballero.
However, the City goalkeeper injured himself doing so and had to be substituted.
Juve went straight down to the other end of the field and would have doubled their lead, if not for a pesky post.
“I’m not a manager but I think Aguero needs help!!!”
Belgiian star De Bruyne also forced a panicked clearance, allowing Fernandinho to power just wide from distance.
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City were facing an uphill struggle, especially as Pogba was showing just why he is one of the most coveted player in Europe.
