Bianconeri beat Chelsea with Zhegrova strike | OneFootball

The Men’s First Team beat Chelsea 1-0 in their first friendly of the pre-season Summer Tour. 

The victory was part of the Hong Kong Football Festival 2026. The decisive moment came courtesy of Edon Zhegrova, who scored a superb goal in the second half of what was a tightly contested match.

CHANCES FOR BOTH SIDES IN THE FIRST HALF

Juventus got off to a very good start, immediately posing a threat with a long-range shot from Manuel Locatelli, set up by Douglas Luiz, which went just wide. As the minutes ticked by, however, Chelsea stepped up a gear, taking control of possession without, however, managing to take the lead.

The English side came close to scoring first with a header from Danny Welbeck following a cross from Geovany Quenda, then with Quenda setting up Marco Palestra, who was denied by an excellent defensive intervention from Pierre Kalulu. In the 29th minute, it was Michele Di Gregorio who came to the Bianconeri’s rescue to save a close-range effort from Jamie Gittens.

Juventus responded with character, particularly towards the end of the half. Jeremie Boga created several dangerous moments down the left flank, first delivering a dangerous ball into the Chelsea box and then testing Robert Sanchez twice, who was on hand to make the saves. The teams went into the break with the score at 0–0.

ZHEGROVA DECIDES THE MATCH

After both teams made numerous substitutions at half-time, Chelsea restarted with a chance for Palestra, which Mattia Perin dealt with confidently. Juventus remained compact and took the lead in the 67th minute. Kenan Yildiz received the ball and played it to Zhegrova, who cut inside and unleashed a precise curling left-footed shot towards the far top corner, which was unstoppable for the Chelsea goalkeeper.

The goal shifted the momentum of the match. The Bianconeri managed possession with discipline and conceded few chances to their opponents. Perin comfortably saved a free-kick from Estevao, whilst in the closing stages it was Juventus who came close to doubling their lead through a fine run by Yildiz, whose pass into the box was deflected for a corner.

The Bianconeri’s fourth pre-season friendly ended with a fine victory and yet another clean sheet.