C. Ronaldo secures Italian Super Cup glory for Juventus

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Cristiano Ronaldo's goal secured the title for Juventus after a 1-0 win over 10-man AC Milan at the Italian Super Cup in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah on Wednesday.

The Portugal international struck a second-half header, as the seven-time Serie A defending champions got their hands on the trophy for the first time in three seasons.

Striker Gonzalo Higuain, who is on loan from Juve, was dropped to the Milan bench amid rumors of a move to Chelsea.

There were few chances in an even first half. Ronaldo went closest with a volley which bounces and skims the crossbar before Milan winger Hakan Calhanoglu's snapshot drew a smart stop from Wojciech Szczesny.

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But Juve opened the scoring on the hour mark. Ronaldo latched onto Miralem Pjanic's through ball to head past Gianluigi Donnarumma. Milan lost Frank Kassie with 16 minutes left for a stamp on Emre Can. 1-0 is how it ends.

“It was my intention to start 2019 with a trophy. I have my first title with Juve and I am very happy," Ronaldo told Italian broadcasters.

“It is only the start. We take it one step at a time. We've got this cup, now we must keep working hard to achieve the next trophy," he added.

Ronaldo won his first trophy with the Italian champs team amid a troubling time for the forward, with his rape allegation still being investigated.

(With input from Reuters)