Europa League: Juventus 1 Manchester City 1

A terrific equaliser from Jo ensured Manchester City left Italy with a share of the spoils in their 1-1 Europa League draw with Juventus.

The Brazilian striker’s stylish finish 13 minutes from time cancelled out Niccolo Giannetti’s goal on the stroke of half-time for a result which cemented City’s spot at the top of Group A after the conclusion of the group stage.

With his side already qualified for the knockout stages, Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini made sweeping changes to the team which beat West Ham 3-1 on Saturday, with nine of the 11 starters at Upton Park rested.

Mancini opted to rest several of his stars while unsettled striker Carlos Tevez was also not included.

Alex Tchuimeni-Nimely, 19, started up front with Jo while goalkeeper Shay Given was called upon for a rare start.

The hosts were keen to finish their miserable European campaign on a good note and started the more brightly, but in truth it was a poor first half of football.

The notable highlight came when Giannetti, a Juventus debutant, stole in front of Derdryck Boyata to turn Alessandro Del Piero’s cross in from close range two minutes before the break.

But City took the game to the Italian side in the second half with Jo, Adam Johnson and James Milner all having good chances.

An equaliser looked on the cards and eventually came with 13 minutes remaining when a cross from Johnson was calmly swept in at the back post by Jo.

The Brazilian’s goal was just his sixth for City – four have come in Europe – and his strike may have just been a reminder to Mancini about the strength in depth his squad possesses.

As another Juventus Europa League clash finished in a draw, the players will be wondering how they were undefeated yet only claimed six points from a possible six games.

It assured them of a third-placed finish which is little more than consolation to Luigi Delneri and his side, while City claim top spot ahead of Polish side Lech Poznan by goal difference only.