Ronny wins in dramatic debut

CRISTIANO RONALDO won for the first time as a Juventus player – but Chievo threatened to spoil the party in a dramatic opening day encounter.

The hosts came from behind to lead 2-1 with 15 minutes remaining, only for Mattia Bani’s own goal to set up a thrilling finale.

Mario Mandzukic thought he had claimed an 87th-minute winner but he was denied by VAR to add to the drama before Federico Bernardeschi scored the crucial goal in the third minute of added time.

Ronaldo’s big day appeared to be following the script when Sami Khedira took just three minutes to break the deadlock.

However, despite Juve commanding almost 80 per cent of the possession in the first half, Chievo got back on terms when Emanuele Giaccherini’s cross was headed home by Mariusz Stepinski.

The visitors then fell behind

11 minutes after the break as Joao Cancelo’s foul in the area allowed Emanuele Giaccherini to put the home side in front from the spot.

The £99million summer signing Ronaldo (below) tried his luck numerous times in a bid to inspire a revival but was unable to find the net as frustrations grew for Juve.

They were handed a lifeline

15 minutes from time when Bernardeschi’s delivery was diverted in by Bani.

VAR ruled out Mandzukic’s header, which had initially been confirmed as a goal by goalline technology, but Ronaldo was not to be denied a winning start.

The Portuguese superstar again relied on his new teammates to deliver the goods as Bernardeschi converted Alex Sandro’s cross to steal the points for the champions.