Juventus 1-0 Freiburg: Angel di Maria scores winner for Italians

  • Published
Angel di Maria gives Juventus the lead against Freiburg in the Europa LeagueImage source, Rex Features
Image caption,

Juventus have not won a major European trophy since lifting the Champions League in 1996

Juventus established a narrow Europa League first-leg advantage over Freiburg without Paul Pogba who was dropped for disciplinary reasons.

It is understood the French midfielder was late for a team meeting and Juve coach Max Allegri opted not to include him for the last-16 match in Turin.

Angel di Maria, a World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022, scored the only goal of the game for the Italians.

The return leg in Germany takes place next Thursday (17:45 GMT).

Meanwhile, Roma also took a step towards the quarter-finals after beating Real Sociedad 2-0 in the Italian capital.

Jose Mourinho's side, who won the Europa Conference League last season, scored an early goal from a counter-attack by Stephan El Shaarawy.

Marash Kumbulla's late header wrapped up victory after Sociedad's Mikel Merino had missed a golden opportunity to equalise.

The second leg in Spain is also next Thursday (20:00).

Roma's players celebrate after scoring against Real Sociedad in the Europa LeagueImage source, Rex Features
Image caption,

Roma have never won the Europa League

Sorry, we can't display this part of the article any more.