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

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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).

Image source, Rex Features
Image caption,

Roma have never won the Europa League

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