Ronaldo opens Juve account with double
Douglas Costa sees red for spitting
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first competitive goals for Juventus on Sunday, with a second-half double that ensured a 2-1 win over Sassuolo to make it four victories from as many Serie A games.
But there was controversy in Turin as Juventus winger Douglas Costa was sent off late on after being caught on camera spitting at Sassuolo’s Federico di Francesco.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, who arrived amid great pomp and ceremony following a 100 million euro ($117 million) deal from Real Madrid, tapped in from barely a yard (0.9 meters) out after a goalmouth scramble on 50 minutes.
The 33-year-old added a second 15 minutes later following a counterattack orchestrated by Emre Can as the defending seven-time Italian champions moved three points clear of Napoli.
“I’m happy. I worked hard and I knew that the goals would come,” said Ronaldo.
Senegalese striker Khouma Babacar headed in a consolation goal for Sassuolo in injury time as the side from Modena fell to their first defeat of the season.
Costa later apologized for his late red card for elbowing and spitting at Di Francesco – the 24-year-old son of Roma coach Eusebio di Francesco.
“I would like to apologize to all the Juventus fans for my wrong reaction during today’s game,” wrote Costa on Instagram.
“I also apologize to my teammates, who are always by my side, in good and bad times. It was ugly, I am aware of that and I apologize to everyone for that.”
Juventus are the only unbeaten side after Napoli inflicted a first loss on Fiorentina on Saturday with a 1-0 win ahead of this week’s Champions League trip to Red Star Belgrade. Sassuolo are third with seven points. Bolstered by five-time winner Ronaldo, Juventus begin their quest for a first Champions League title since 1996 at Valencia on Wednesday.
Roma’s confidence was dented ahead of their daunting midweek trip to Champions League holders Real Madrid, as bottom club Chievo came from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw at the Stadio Olimpico.
Roma are ninth with five points from four games – already seven points adrift of Juventus, and also behind city rivals Lazio who won at Empoli with Marco Parolo scoring the only goal.