Italian media slam Kelly’s first Juventus start | OneFootball

Italian sports outlets were unimpressed with Lloyd Kelly’s first start with Juventus, as the Englishman’s display in his side’s Champions League game against PSV Eindhoven has been considered unanimously insufficient.

The Newcastle loanee had already drawn some criticism for his Serie A debut in the Bianconeri’s 2-1 win at Como, but his ratings from the Italian press were even lower after Tuesday’s performance.

Lloyd Kelly and Juventus’ Cristiano Giuntoli

Italian sports outlets rate Kelly poorly after Champions League debut with Juventus

Particularly, the defender was held accountable for Ivan Perisic’s leveller in the second half, as the former Inter winger was left free of turning on his left foot and shooting at Michele Di Gregorio’s goal.

La Gazzetta dello Sport rated Kelly 5/10, writing that he made a ‘horror’ Champions League debut, being ‘bullied’ by Perisic on multiple occasions.

COMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 07: Gabriel Strefezza of Como 1907 competes for the ball with Lloyd Kelly of Juventus during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Juventus at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on February 07, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Tuttosport was even harsher with the right-back, giving him a rating of 4.5/10, criticising his choice to turn his back when the PSV winger faked a shot, deceiving him too easily.

Corriere della Sera also criticised the defender’s behaviour on Perisic’s goal with a metaphor, claiming it would have broken the military penal code.

Kelly was rated 4.5/10 for his ‘stormy night’ by Football Italia, who was among the accredited media.