The mini-escape is served. Juventus and Napoli win the fifth consecutive match and go hand in hand in command of the championship, turning into reality what everyone has been thinking for some time. In fact, the championship could be a matter for two, although the standings are still very short and anything really happens. Different successes for Allegri and Sarri's men: the bare minimum for the former against Fiorentina, the latter against Lazio even overflowing.
In short, a summary of the Azzurri's and the Bianconeri's way of playing, even if the points are the same and the result too. Juve's 1-0 against the Viola is the result of the usual ability to manage matches, with that fake "cheerful" melina which then, promptly, turns into a goal as soon as one of the (many) champions in the squad decides to wake up.
This time it was Mandzukic's turn, who in addition to grinding the usual incredible number of kilometers also headed the decisive goal in breaking the resistance of Fiorentina, good at containing Juve, less in trying to annoy them.
“This is an important victory, also because we didn't concede a goal – commented Allegri. – We suffered in some moments but in general I have to congratulate the boys, now we can enjoy the victory and start thinking about the derby".
The only negative note of the evening is Gonzalo Higuain, still dry and author of a painful performance, in line with the last ones. A problem that Juve, for the moment, is managing in the best possible way, but it is certain that to really aim high, it will be necessary to find the real Pipita as soon as possible.
“He must stay calm, play as he knows how and not feel sorry for himself – continued Allegri. – Attackers have moments like this, his goals will arrive soon too”.
A problem that Maurizio Sarri does not have, who indeed risks a real indigestion of networks. With the 4 made yesterday at the Olimpico we are at 19 in 4 games, an amazing average that is taking the blue people back to Maradona's time and therefore dreaming of the Scudetto. Moreover, the match against Lazio was the most difficult of the day and few thought that the gap could be such.
It must be said that for more than a time it was the Biancocelesti who raised their voices, so much so that they closed the first half ahead (30' De Vrij) and created several problems for Reina. But then in the second half, thanks to several injuries (De Vrij himself, Milinkovic, Basta and Bastos), the script was reversed. First Koulibaly's equalizer (54'), then Callejon's advantage (56'), Mertens' trio (59', absolute masterpiece) and Jorginho's penalty (92') to put the exclamation point on the blue poker and, consequently, on the first place in the standings.
“I'm very satisfied, the boys played a great game – explained Sarri. – Now the real challenge will be playing like this for 10 months in a row, this is what can make the difference. The Scudetto? Now it's better to go to bed and rest, many races await us…”.
Much less desire to joke in the Lazio clan, where the dream of settling at the top of the standings has gone from having to deal with a very heavy defeat. “I'm very sorry for the injuries, without them I really think we wouldn't have lost – Inzaghi's analysis. – We were very dangerous throughout the first half, unfortunately then we had to do without players who were too important and we paid".
In short, the most awaited couple broke away from the group. The Scudetto duel, therefore, can begin.
