New retrospective suggests Juventus’ 2001-02 opener was a 'new era' as Buffon, Thuram and Nedved reportedly debuted in 4-0 win
A recent look back at Juventus’ Serie A season opener on August 26, 2001, versus Venezia at the Delle Alpi frames the match as the start of a post-Zidane era. The piece reports that Gianluigi Buffon, Lilian Thuram and Pavel Nedved all made their official club debuts that afternoon. It highlights a 4-0 victory featuring braces from Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet, plus a noted clean sheet for Buffon, Thuram’s defensive control and Nedved’s energetic presence on the left flank.
Why it matters
If the retrospective’s account is accurate, the game is portrayed as more than a routine opener: it would mark the immediate emergence of a new spine at Juventus funded by the Zidane transfer, introduce three players who would shape the side, and present a dominant attacking display that set the tone for the season ahead.