Juventus claimed their second consecutive Champions League victory with a 2-0 win over Pafos, a result that wasn’t without tension. The Bianconeri now sit on nine points in the League Phase table, currently occupying 17th place and remaining firmly in the race for a playoff spot.
For Luciano Spalletti, however, the performance brought mixed emotions. After a nightmare first half, Juventus raised their level after the break, sealing the three points with two well-taken goals. IlBianconero note that, among the starters, Jonathan David and Fabio Miretti produced performances of striking contrast — one shining by the end, the other still searching for consistency.
David’s Tale of Two Halves
It was a classic night of highs and lows for Jonathan David. His first half was one to forget: misplaced touches, poor link-up play, and a glaring missed chance weighed heavily on his early performance.
Playing as the lone striker after Spalletti’s pre-match challenge in the press room, David initially struggled to find rhythm or impact. Yet as the game opened up, the Canadian responded with determination. In the second half, he took his chance brilliantly, scoring Juventus’ second goal and cementing the victory.
That strike marked his second in as many Champions League games and his third in successive appearances for the club. It was a statement from a player still adapting but clearly beginning to find his place in Spalletti’s system — a reminder of his finishing quality and mental resilience.
Miretti’s Missed Opportunity
For Fabio Miretti, the evening was a very different story. Given a rare start in midfield alongside Locatelli and preferred to Thuram, the young Italian struggled to seize his chance. His first half was littered with errors — stray passes, heavy touches, and moments of indecision that disrupted Juventus’ rhythm.
Although he improved slightly after the break, the overall impression remained underwhelming. The message from this Champions League outing is clear: Miretti will need to deliver much more to climb back into Spalletti’s midfield hierarchy. Talent is not in question, but consistency and composure at this level will determine how quickly he earns the manager’s full trust.
