Juventus is back. Whether it's just for one night or for an indefinite period is still unknown, but the victory in Manchester is certainly a strong and clear signal. The bianconeri have risen again in the most difficult moment, against an opponent of the highest level and, moreover, with an (irregular) goal lead. However, there came out the pride invoked by Buffon and Allegri on the eve, not surprisingly among the main architects of the success.
The first with a series of extraordinary saves, able to keep the barrack standing even in moments of the greatest storm, the second with very well chosen choices, both in the initial formation and in the management of the exchanges. The night must have brought advice to the coach from Livorno, who after thinking for a long time about the 3-5-2 decides to gamble with a much more offensive 4-3-3. Inside Cuadrado from 1 minute in the trident with Mandzukic and Morata, Hernanes in the control room, Pogba and Sturaro bouncers with a license to enter, two "conservative" full-backs like Lichtsteiner and Evra.
The start was shocking because City started very strong and nearly took the lead in the 2nd minute: Buffon and Chiellini miraculously saved Sterling. But as the minutes go by, the blue storm calms down and Juventus manages quite well, even if they risk something on the individual plays of their opponents. The first half did not produce great chances apart from the goal disallowed by Pogba, stopped by the line assistant for an (active) offside by Morata, and also the second seems to continue on the same wavelength.
In the 58th minute, however, the cold shower: Kompany yanked Chiellini "forcing him", in spite of himself, to deflect the ball behind Buffon. Do it obvious for everyone, even for Pellegrini ("the thought of him in the press room had to be cancelled") but not for the referee Skomina, who thus certifies the 1-0 City draw. Allegri thus finds himself at a crossroads: to resort to Dybala and Alex Sandro (66 million in two) or to trust the 11 seen so far, even the most faded? He opts for the second way and the match proves him right.
In the 70th minute Pogba brushes for Mandzukic, the Croatian extends like a champion and leaves Hart stunned. The 1-1 draw gives the black and whites further courage, also because Gigi Buffon is in goal, inspired as never before. First the miracles on Sterling and Silva (with the team one goal down), then Yaya Touré, this time with his teammates ahead. Yes, because between one save and another Allegri inserts Dybala for the upset Mandzukic and the Argentine, while taking advantage of a rebound, kicks off Morata's solo, splendid in slipping the goal of the English with a left foot (81 ').
Pellegrini tries everything by inserting Aguero but now there is no more time: Juventus conquers Manchester and takes the lead in the group, albeit in cohabitation with Sevilla (3-0 victorious against Borussia Moenchengladbach).
“I have to congratulate the boys, it wasn't an easy match – Allegri said. – We were good, we didn't get anxious even when we were down by a goal and so we scored. This victory is a great injection of confidence, it will allow us to work well in the championship as well".
The great Champions League nights don't end there. In fact, this evening it's Roma's turn, who will receive Luis Enrique's Barcelona at the Olimpico, the ex who never loved (but perhaps regretted) the match.
“It's an immense team, one of the best, if not the best, in the world. But we will play with ambition and humility, trying to do our best." It goes without saying that, on paper, the Catalans are clear favorites, but the Giallorossi are convinced they can have their say.
“They mainly play with ball possession, we will have to be good at restarting but without giving up on playing. We don't want to leave them on the pitch, it will take great teamwork." After the (failed) experiment in Frosinone, Garcia renounces the Totti-Dzeko duo, with the captain on the bench. Just like against Juve, the most convincing victory so far, De Rossi will see De Rossi in defense together with Manolas, with Maicon and Digne completing Szczesny's protection.
Pjanic is unavailable, the midfield trio will be made up of Florenzi, Keita and Nainggolan, in support of the trident Salah, Dzeko and Iago Falque. “I only have positive memories of my experience in Rome – said Luis Enrique at the press conference. – That was a difficult championship, now I'm more experienced and with a few more years. However, what matters is the present, we want to start the Champions League in the best possible way."
On paper, his team, first with full points in La Liga, is a real army. Messi, Suarez and Neymar, of course, but also Iniesta, Busquets and Rakitic, the central couple Mascherano-Piqué, the thrust on the wings of Jordi Alba (absent instead Dani Alves). It will be an evening for strong hearts, just like the one just ended in Manchester. Who knows, maybe it could be a good omen…
