In a tightly fought game against a resilient Fiorentina, the Argentina international came off the bench to snatch a 2-1 win for the Bianconeri, ensuring his new side’s 2016/17 campaign got off to the best possible start.
By joining their bitter rivals, Higuain was always going to feel the wrath of Napoli fans, but his visible lack of fitness this summer had only intensified the vitriol. Arriving back for pre-season training—and in the recent friendly with West Ham United—he appeared overweight, prompting a Naples street vendor to sell an oversized version of his new shirt.
Speaking to reporters before the clash with La Viola, Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri voiced a similar opinion. “When he came here he wasn’t in great condition, but now he’s much better,” the former AC Milan coach said at his pre-match press conference, with his starting XI echoing that same viewpoint.
Mario Mandzukic started alongside Paulo Dybala, with the duo continuing the excellent partnership they struck up last term. That left only a place among the substitutes for the new €90 million man, but he was in good company with Miralem Pjanic, Marko Pjaca and Medhi Benatia also among those left out.
