Juventus thump Al Ain in Club World Cup after Trump visit
The Italian giants, who earlier in the day visited US President Donald Trump at the White House, moved to the top of Group G, ahead of Manchester City, who had defeated Wydad AC earlier.
Randal Kolo Muani and Francisco Conceição each netted twice as Juventus romped to a 5-0 victory over Al Ain in their Club World Cup opener on Wednesday, held at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
The Italian giants, who earlier in the day visited US President Donald Trump at the White House, moved to the top of Group G, ahead of Manchester City, who had defeated Wydad AC earlier.
During their visit, some Juventus players and staff presented Trump with a club shirt and were asked by the former President whether they believed a woman could ever make it into their men's first team. Trump's comment appeared to be a veiled criticism of transgender athletes, but Juventus general manager Damien Comolli responded diplomatically, noting the club had a "very good women's team". The players themselves remained silent on the matter.
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On the pitch, however, Juventus did all their talking. Kolo Muani, currently on extended loan from Paris Saint-Germain for the tournament, opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a commanding header from an Alberto Costa cross.
Ten minutes later, manager Igor Tudor's side doubled their advantage when Conceição, on loan from Porto, skipped past a defender in the box and found the net via a slight deflection.
Turkish forward Kenan Yildiz added a third in the 31st minute, creating space on the edge of the area before drilling a low effort inside the near post.
Kolo Muani bagged his second just before half-time, calmly slotting home during stoppage time to further punish the side from the United Arab Emirates.
Al Ain thought they had pulled one back through Kouame Autonne, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Conceição then sealed his brace with another deflected effort to make it five for the Bianconeri.
Kolo Muani had a chance to complete his hat-trick after being played through on goal, but Rui Patrício reacted sharply to deny him. Douglas Luiz came close to adding a sixth late on but fired narrowly wide.
Juventus, who finished fourth in Serie A last season, are aiming to make amends for a trophyless campaign by chasing silverware in the United States this summer.
