Who is new Juventus starlet Savona? | OneFootball

After Samuel Mbangula, now Thiago Motta is giving another Juventus NextGen sensation his first senior start, as Nicolò Savona plays against Verona.

It kicks off at the Stadio Bentegodi at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Cagliari-Como on the LIVEBLOG.

The new coach has already proved with the opening 3-0 win over Como that he is happy to tear up the usual Italian approach and give an opportunity to whoever deserves it in training, no matter their age or experience.

Mbangula repaid him for this faith with a goal against Como and starts again this evening, but there is also a senior full debut for Savona.

The 21-year-old was promoted from the NextGen squad to the senior team this summer and signed a new contract to reflect that.

Although he came off the bench against Como, this is his first start for Juventus proper.

Savona another sign of new Juventus era

Born in Aosta, Savona had to travel 140km each way, three times a week, to attend training with Juventus from the age of 8.

There was a spell on loan at Spal, then he flourished with the NextGen team, who play their football in Serie C.

He impressed Thiago Motta in pre-season and gets his opportunity today with Danilo still only fit enough for a spot on the bench.

The Italy Under-21 international plays primarily as a right-back, but loves to take men on and surge forward.

He can also play as a central defender in a four or three-man set-up.