Late strikes see Juventus edge Australia All Stars

Sydney (AFP) - Late strikes from French midfielder Paul Pogba and substitute Simone Pepe handed Italian champions Juventus a come-from-behind 3-2 win against an Australian All Stars side in Sydney on Sunday.

The All Stars, led by former Italy and Juventus great Alessandro Del Piero, took the lead twice with the Italians, who brought a full-strength squad to Australia, having to dig deep for the win at ANZ Stadium.

The local side took a 1-0 lead in the 9th minute after Argentinian midfielder Marcelo Carrusca clinically drilled home a pass from Thomas Broich, the A-League player of last season.

His strike was cancelled out just before the hour when towering Spanish international Fernando Llorente powerfully headed home a cross from new Juventus recruit, ex-Manchester United star Patrice Evra.

When Socceroos striker Tomi Juric smacked in a left-foot shot from 15 metres in the 77th minute it looked like the All Stars were heading for a famous victory.

But Pogba, named best young player at the recent World Cup in Brazil, chested the ball down and blasted a superb equaliser with two minutes of regular time left.

Pepe then snatched a stoppage-time winner with a fierce first time drive after the All Stars failed to clear a corner.