Nigerian striker Gift Orban opened his account for Hellas Verona with a crucial penalty in a 1-1 draw against Serie A heavyweights Juventus on Saturday, halting the Bianconeri’s flawless start to the campaign.
Juventus went ahead in the 19th minute through Francisco Conceição, who marked his return from a muscle injury by cutting in from the right, beating two defenders, and curling a low left-footed effort beyond Lorenzo Montipò.
Verona levelled just before halftime when João Mário handled inside the area. Orban calmly dispatched the 44th-minute spot kick, with goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio getting a touch but unable to keep it out.
The equaliser ended Juventus’ three-game winning streak and handed Orban his first goal for Verona, following a lively but scoreless debut against Cremonese earlier in the week.
