Gonzalez and Koopmeiners strike off the bench as Juventus beat Parma

Super-subs Gonzalez and Koopmeiners fire Juventus to second straight win

Two substitutes struck within minutes of entering the pitch as Juventus maintained their perfect start to the 2026-27 Serie A season with a 2-0 victory over Parma at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday evening.

Nico Gonzalez opened the scoring in the second half before fellow replacement Teun Koopmeiners sealed the points in the 88th minute, lifting the Bianconeri to six points from two matches and joint-top of the table alongside AC Milan.

First half frustration

Luciano Spalletti's side dominated possession but struggled to convert their superiority into goals during a goalless first period. Chico Conceicao came closest to breaking the deadlock shortly after the half-hour mark, shifting into space centrally before firing a low shot that clipped the post on its way behind.

Parma threatened early when a free-kick fell loose in the box inside the opening quarter-hour, though Christian Ordonez's attempt flew wild and wayward. As the break approached, Conceicao had another opportunity from a free-kick just outside the Parma box, but couldn't keep his effort below the crossbar despite beating the wall.

Douglas Luiz forced Parma goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi into the first real save when he met a Pierre Kalulu cross from the right with a header, but Corvi proved equal to the task.

Second-half intensity

The Bianconeri emerged brighter after the interval, working a cleverly constructed short corner between Douglas Luiz and Jeremie Boga. Boga cut in and centred for Jhon Lucumi, who could only send his effort over the bar.

Randal Kolo Muani nearly found a breakthrough seconds later when he stretched for a good ball from the right but couldn't direct it towards Corvi's goal. Jonathan David then had a half-chance after another Boga delivery from the left, though the Canadian couldn't hit the target.

Substitutes make instant impact

Spalletti introduced Kerim Alajbegovic and Nico Gonzalez in place of Boga and David to build on the bright start to the second half. Gonzalez immediately forced a fine save from Corvi with a volley from the edge of the box.

Within five minutes of stepping onto the pitch, Gonzalez opened the scoring in fortuitous fashion. His fierce strike from range thumped off the post and rebounded back to his feet, and when he fired the second shot first-time, it took a deflection off Mariano Troilo to leave Corvi wrongfooted and put Juventus in front.

Parma attempted an immediate response, forcing Guglielmo Vicario into action twice in quick succession. The Juventus goalkeeper produced a top-class save to deny David Romero before making a more straightforward stop on the same player in the 85th minute.

Koopmeiners followed Gonzalez's example of immediate impact, sealing the victory just seconds after replacing Andrea Cambiaso in the 88th minute. His sweet, left-footed shot cut across Corvi and found the bottom-right corner to make it 2-0.

Historic run continues

This marks the third consecutive season Juventus have won their opening two Serie A fixtures, achieving the feat under three different coaches in as many years, also Thiago Motta and Igor Tudor. It represents the first time the club has enjoyed such a streak under three different managers since doing so between 1947 and 1949.

The hosts won the expected goals battle decisively, 1.66 to 0.22, reflecting their dominance even as they laboured to find a breakthrough in the opening period. Parma remain the team Juventus have faced most often at home in Serie A without ever failing to score, now 29 occasions.

Juventus were without the injured trio of Yildiz, McKennie and Thuram, whilst Zhegrova was also unavailable with his sale nearing completion. Polish goalkeeper Grabara received his first call-up to the squad.