Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah insists his side had a "very good game", despite losing to Melbourne Victory in the International Champions Cup.
Victory fought back from a goal down at the MCG on Saturday night to draw 1-1 and force a penalty shootout, and it was the A-League club that triumphed thanks to two saves from goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas.
Juventus barely looked like they got out of second gear throughout the match, with a host of first-teamers unavailable.
But Asamoah, who played the first half in midfield alongside Hernanes and Mario Lemina, argued the match was a "good exercise" for the Bianconeri.
"The result is not so important for us," he told reporters. "The most important thing for us is that we had a very good game."
After a scoreless first half where Juve struggled to break down a lively Victory line-up, the visitors took the lead in brilliant fashion when central defender Carlos Blanco collected Thomas' clearance and scored from 50 yards after the break.
But Victory deservedly got on the scoresheet themselves with seven minutes remaining as substitute Jai Ingham turned sharply in the box to equalise.
It was a promising performance from the three-time A-League champions, who saw new recruits James Donachie, Mitch Austin and Alan Baro make their debuts.
And Donachie was pleased with how he combined with fellow young centre-back Nick Ansell up against star Juve forward Paulo Dybala.
"It was a good hit out," Donachie said. "[Juventus have] very good players and very skilful - very skilful midfield but it was a good 90 minutes to get under the belt."
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- Goal