Rome, Aug. 25 -- Captain Giorgio Chiellini scored early as Juventus won 1-0 at Parma to kick off its bid for a record-extending ninth straight Serie A title in the league opener Saturday.

As Cristiano Ronaldo was involved in a series of near misses, Chiellini netted in the 21st minute following a corner.

Chiellini and fellow center back Leonardo Bonucci were preferred by new coach Maurizio Sarri over new signing Matthijs de Ligt, even though the Bianconeri spent 75 million euros ($85 million) to acquire the Netherlands defender from Ajax last month.

Sarri was absent due to pneumonia but there were still signs of the former Napoli and Chelsea coach's quick passing game as Juventus attacked relentlessly.

Ronaldo had a goal disallowed in...