Angel Di Maria’s Superb Hat-Trick Sends Juventus Into Last 16 Of Europa League
Argentina star Angel Di Maria scored a marvelous hat-trick against Nantes that ensured Juventus secure an easy slot in the last 16 of Europa league on Thursday Night. Juve won 3-0 at 10-man Nantes to make 4-1 on aggregate after a 1-1 draw Italy a fortnight ago.
The win has boost the morale of Juventus after a miserable campaign in which they have been deducted 15 Serie A points for financial irregularities.
“I am happy with the performance, it was not an easy game after the first-leg result, as the crowd here is very passionate. Just because we were eliminated from the Champions League does not mean it will be easy to win the Europa League. It isn’t, but we have the duty to try and go all the way, just as we do in Serie A.” said Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri
Di Maria put Juventus ahead after five minutes with a delightful curling strike from the edge of the box into the top corner before adding a second goal via a penalty kick 20th minute.
Di Maria completed his treble 12 minutes from time when he sent in a glancing header and the ball just crossed the line before being pushed away.
It was Juve’s first hat-trick in a Uefa competition away from home since Filippo Inzaghi in 2000.
“He is a champion and different to the others,” Allegri said. “Everything comes easily to him, he raises the overall level of the squad and the others all feel more relaxed in his presence. Di Maria is in the category of real champions.”
The draw for the round of 16 will be held on Friday.
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