A champion response. Juventus conquers Verona and returns alone to first place in the standings. He does it with a convincing performance, especially in the first half. Then in the second half, when Chievo seemed to be able to put her on the ropes with a comeback in the style of Sampdoria, Parma or Lazio, she managed the game like a great team.
“We have always had the game in hand – declared Angelo Alessio satisfied, on the occasion he returned to speak with the press. – Two goals were scored in the first half and we could have done even more. We didn't manage the match well only in the first ten minutes of the second half, but we did well afterwards. It happens that we concede goals from our opponents' only shot, but we've always had the game in our hands, it was important to win the three points”.
Conte had to deal with numerous absences, and the choices turned out to be spot on. In particular that of Matri, preferred to Quagliarella in the role of vice-Vucinic, who he repaid with a really capital performance. The emblem happens in the 10th minute of the first half, when the former Cagliari strikes the match with a left-footed volley from applause. Juve doesn't stop and continues to grind the game and the opponent. Lichtsteiner runs like never before and, after wasting a favorable opportunity, makes up for it at the end of the game.
The action is splendid and starts once again from Matri, who opens up Giovinco on the opposite side: Formica unmarks the Swiss with a splendid back-heel, and at that point beating Puggioni is child's play. The first half thus ends with the result of 0-2: too easy? Not at all. Because Corini turns Chievo upside down starting with the formation, which from 5-3-2 becomes a more offensive 4-3-1-2. The results can be seen after just 7 minutes: Thereau kicks on goal and, thanks to the deflection by Caceres, beats Buffon. The match reopens, but Juve's strength comes out right there.
The bianconeri make Chievo furious, then put the match to sleep and take back the lead in the standings. “We've always been calm, we've always played to the best of our ability – explained Alessio. – Now we continue on our way, knowing that it is a more difficult journey than last year. There is Napoli who are our main rivals and strengthened in January. We, however, are aware of our strength”. The debut of Anelka has been postponed and will come in handy starting next Sunday. But given yesterday's Matri, the Frenchman will have to sweat a lot to win a jersey.
