Mbangula: ‘I thought it was just a dream’ scoring on Juventus debut | OneFootball

Samuel Mbangula admits he thought scoring on his senior Juventus debut was ‘just a dream I was having’ until the crowd started screaming his name during the 3-0 win over Como.

The Bianconeri got the Serie A season off to a sparkling start, beating Cesc Fabregas’ Como 3-0 at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin.

Few expected 20-year-old Next Gen talent Mbangula to start, even fewer saw it coming when he scored their first goal of the campaign, cutting inside from the left to fire in right-footed from the edge of the area.

“It was a special emotion, because it was my first time in Serie A, first time with the senior squad in an official match. I am very happy,” he told DAZN.

“When I scored the first goal, I thought it was just a dream I was having! When I heard the stadium with all the fans, it just felt incredible.”

Tim Weah doubled their tally on the stroke of half-time and Andrea Cambiaso completed the rout late on, after Dusan Vlahovic saw a goal ruled offside and hit the woodwork twice.

Mbangula was named Man of the Match by Serie A and really could not have asked for a more perfect debut in senior football.

Mbangula dream debut for Juventus

Manuel Locatelli also spoke to DAZN and he was one of the most critical of Max Allegri’s negative tactics, so is he pleased at the more pro-active and aggressive approach taken by Thiago Motta?

“Clearly, the coach asked us to light up the crowd with a spark. We need to do well on the pitch, work hard and not talk too much. I want to congratulate Samuel, as he earned his chance by doing really well, but he has just started, he has everything it takes to keep growing and has to keep working at it,” said Locatelli.

Is he enjoying the new tactical initiative and role in a 4-2-3-1 formation?

“I have to be honest, I like this. I too need to get back to my levels. I know there are high expectations around me, but I want to talk less this season and work harder, because the truth always comes out on the pitch.”