Juventus open Scudetto defense with win over Parma

Juventus' quest for a record-extending ninth successive Scudetto got off to an ideal start with Saturday's 1-0 victory at Parma.

Giorgio Chiellini fired the visitors into the lead in the 21st minute when the central defender was the beneficiary of a ricocheted Alex Sandro effort in the Parma penalty area following a corner kick. It was the Chiellini's 27th Serie A goal in 389 appearances.

Cristiano Ronaldo nearly doubled the lead 10 minutes prior to the interval before VAR ruled the Portuguese attacker narrowly offside.

The Old Lady appeared tired late on at the Stadio Tardini, conceding multiple chances to Parma including an opportunity for Gervinho that Mattia de Sciglio thwarted with a stunning slide tackle.

Summer addition Adrien Rabiot made his Juventus bow as a second-half substitute for Sami Khedira, while fellow newcomer Aaron Ramsey was omitted from the team sheet.

Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri missed his competitive debut with pneumonia. Under Sarri's predecessor Max Allegri, Juventus sped to the Serie A title last season on 90 points - 11 clear of runner-up Napoli.