Dušan Vlahović’s solitary goal was enough to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Juventus against Genoa on Sunday. The win ensures the Bianconeri go into the international break with a perfect six points from their first two league games, extending their impressive unbeaten record in matches where Vlahović finds the net to 36.
The match began as a cagey affair, with both defenses holding firm after clean sheets on the opening weekend of the Serie A season. Juventus looked to assert control early on, but struggled to break down a well-organized Genoa backline. The home side nearly capitalized on the counter in the 26th minute, but Mikael Egill Ellertsson’s weak effort was easily saved by Michele Di Gregorio.
As the half-time whistle approached, Juventus stepped up their attack. Federico Gatti forced a smart save from Genoa goalkeeper Nicola Leali, who recovered well to tip a shot wide. Moments later, striker Jonathan David uncharacteristically volleyed a rebound over the bar from close range, signaling Juventus’s growing ambition.
The second half mirrored the first in its opening moments, with both teams trading missed opportunities. Ellertsson was again denied with a blocked shot, while Khéphren Thuram fired wide for Juventus from the edge of the box just before the hour mark.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 73rd minute. Following a corner, Dušan Vlahović connected with a precise cross from his fellow countryman Filip Kostić to power a header into the net. The goal marked Vlahović’s second in as many league games this season.
Genoa struggled to mount a comeback, and Vlahović had a chance to seal the win five minutes from time, but his hesitation allowed the defense to block his shot. The game’s final moment saw Genoa’s Caleb Ekuban test Juventus goalkeeper Di Gregorio with an excellent strike, but the save preserved the clean sheet and the three points.
Juventus now sits comfortably at the top of the table with a perfect record, while Genoa remains in search of their first victory against their Turin rivals since May 2022.
