La Juventus back in control of the league. This is the essence of the rich football Saturday, which saw the Lady regain the top of the standings with a reassuring +3 over Roma. Who, once again, failed an important final exam: and after the defeats against Juve and Bayern, one can no longer speak of chance. Congratulations to Napoli, another winner of the day. The Azzurri played their best game of the season by sending a loud and clear message to everyone: for third place and, perhaps, even for something more.
“I'm happy, we were coming from a somewhat turbulent week – smiled Allegri commenting on the success against Empoli. – Football is like that, we suffered more than in Genoa and yet we won while the other night, practically without conceding a shot on goal, we came out defeated”. Juve therefore returns to win away from home thus giving themselves a nice record in the solitary standings on the day of his 117th birthday.
Above all, this is good, but we are not there yet for the game, at least not entirely. However, several extenuating factors must be recognized for Allegri. First of all the busy schedule, which on Tuesday will see the bianconeri challenge Olympiacos for the first time in or out of the season, and then the injuries. Ogbonna and Asamoah also stopped yesterday, making an already decimated defense a total emergency. The imminent Champions League match forced the coach into an important turnover: out Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Tevez and Llorente, in Pereyra, Pirlo, Giovinco and Morata.
Winning choices, because the two players left on the bench in Genoa decided the match. Pirlo's goal (61') could then be the sign of a car moving back in the right direction. His free-kick unlocked a mangy match, played well by a worker Empoli but well fielded by the excellent Sarri. And then there's Morata, a really interesting player who will hardly be able to remain on the sidelines any longer. His left foot shot (72') closed the game giving Juve a very important victory.
Why in the meantime Roma he threw away the points recovered during the week, remedying a defeat that was as clear as it was worrying. Mind you, losing in Naples is fine but what is surprising is the total surrender of the Giallorossi, who are increasingly stammering in the big matches.
The first half of the San Paolo was totally one-sided, so much so that it was not clear how they managed to finish only 1-0. The match, unlocked by a great goal from Higuain after just 3', made everyone understand how great the hosts' potential is, especially when the defense manages to keep up with the level of the attack. Up front then talent abounds: if the various Higuain, Callejon, Hamsik and Insigne also adjusted their aim then it would really be pain for everyone.
In the second half, Roma, saved in the first half by the posts (Callejon and Hamsik) and by De Sanctis, sketched a reaction but didn't go beyond two incursions by Florenzi. The inevitable doubling of Napoli arrived in the 85th minute with Callejon, good at capitalizing on Higuain's splendid assist. “The team is better, they have more confidence – Benitez's analysis. – Scudetto? We think of one game at a time, but with this mentality we can win many games."
Late night instead for Rome, again forced to watch Juve from below. “They were stronger, they won deservedly – admitted Garcia. – The problem was above all mental, we still have to improve a lot on this aspect”. On the other hand, there is nothing to report on the public order front and this, given the premises, is a great victory. Of all, without exception.
