Two records to continue head-to-head. That of Juventus, who with a 1-0 win over Genoa obtained their 13th consecutive victory (overcoming Conte's 12 in 2013/14, ahead of them is only Inter in 2006/07 with 17) and that of Napoli, who arrived at an altitude of 7 like Bagnoli's team in 1987/88 (season ended however with the Scudetto to Milan). But what matters most are the 3 points in the standings, which allow both of them to continue their flight towards the title.
They will be the ones to contend for him until the end, there is little doubt about this now, waiting for the direct clash on February 13 to better define the role of favorite and challenger. The midweek round presented various pitfalls especially for Napoli, called to confirm themselves in the difficult away match against Lazio at the Olimpico, instead the Azzurri brought home the victory without too many problems. The only stain came from the Lazio fans, who were repeatedly the protagonists of racist chants against Koulibaly, so much so that referee Irrati was forced to suspend the match for 3' during the second half.
An unreal situation, with the announcer reminding everyone of the risk of definitive suspension and the police commissioner of Rome on the verge of turning it into reality: then, fortunately, the climate calmed down but the incident certainly remains disturbing. "The referee did what he had to do, the situation was embarrassing and Koulibaly was suffering" Sarri thought, "I don't know if I would have made that decision but certain chants should remain outside the stadiums" that of Pioli.
However, Napoli's victory remains, the seventh in a row which allows them to confirm the top of the standings at 53 points. Many, many, built on an excellent defense but above all on a stellar attack, in which Gonzalo Higuain's star shines once again. Il Pipita scored yesterday too, thus reaching 23 goals in as many games, a monstrous score that definitively sent Cavani's ghost to the attic.
It was he who broke the deadlock at the Olimpico after just 23', even if Callejon's offside is visible on his goal. On the other hand, there is no doubt about the legitimacy of doubling: an assist from Insigne (yet another) and a lob from Callejon to beat Marchetti (26'). A formidable one-two, a loud and clear message to Juventus from Massimiliano Allegri: this Napoli does not want to know how to let go of the Scudetto.
Of course, however, if the blue rhythm is applause, the black and white one is even a standing ovation. With the one against Genoa we are at 13 consecutive victories, an impressive score which, if continued for a few more weeks, will make any resistance very difficult. However, even the Lady has limits and yesterday, against a mangy and smart Genoa, they came out despite the final result.
The success signed, in spite of himself, by De Maio (30 ', own goal from a cross from Cuadrado) is one of the less brilliant of the season and can be explained above all by the physical problems of the Allegri's, yesterday on the pitch without Chiellini, Khedira and Mandzukic. And Caceres has been added to the list of injured again: the Uruguayan will undergo medical tests today but a diagnosis (Achilles tendon injury) filters out from Turin which, if confirmed, would mean the season is over. “To conquer the championships you also have to go through dirty victories – explained Allegri. – Against Genoa it's never easy, this match has brought us back to the ground a bit. Now I hope to recover some players, to face the coming period well we need everyone ".
Juve unspectacular and strangely nervous, as demonstrated by the expulsion of Zaza (90') and a frantic management of the match. In the end, however, 3 points arrived, the same booty that Sarri took away from Lazio Rome. Carpi and Frosinone remain between the two contenders, then it will be a direct confrontation: and there, perhaps, the true master of the championship will emerge.
