Juventus stunned Ajax in the Amsterdam Arena thanks to two goals from Amauri to take a vital 2-1 lead into next week’s Europa League round of 32 second leg clash.
The Brazilian scored a header in each half after Miralem Sulejmani had given the Dutch outfit a deserved early lead. Hasan Salihamidzic saw red late on for a foul and will join Luis Suarez in the stands for the second leg next Thursday.
The visitors scored only one goal in their three UEFA Champions League away games before Christmas and made the worst possible start as Miralem Sulejmani raced clear to shoot Ajax ahead early on. Led by the inspirational Alessandro Del Piero, Juve levelled before half-time thanks to Amauri’s unstoppable header. The Brazilian striker turned the tie on its head with a second goal just before the hour, although Juve’s night ended on a sour note as Hasan Salihamidžić sent off in added time for a high challenge.