The signature on the shield. Juventus conquered Genoa by winning one of those matches which, at the end of the year, are defined as "key". They are always there, in every triumph, and they are usually decided by the symbol men. Two years ago it was Del Piero's turn against Lazio, last year Chiellini on the Napoli field, this time Buffon and Pirlo, in strictly chronological as well as alphabetical order. The goalkeeper began by saving a penalty in Calaiò at 0-0, the genius from Brescia concluded with a masterful punch one minute from the end.
"I don't want to talk about Scudetto percentages because they wouldn't be true" scoffed the superstitious Conte, "more than a brick for the title, this is a shovel" Buffon instead explained with his usual frankness. The captain thus celebrated his 476th presence for Juventus in the best possible way, the one that led him to engage a sacred monster like Zoff. And then Pirlo took care of it, giving his side an almost unexpected victory given how things had turned out. Because Juve, as has often happened in recent times, certainly didn't shine in terms of physical condition and game, even risking losing the match. Also the fault of the referee Mazzoleni and his assistants, disastrous in annulling a very regular goal by Osvaldo in the 39th minute of the first half due to a totally invented offside.
The match director himself then didn't concede a penalty to the Lady for Antonelli's arm, only to then decide in the opposite way a minute later in favor of Genoa. Vidal's touch was considered voluntary and Juve foamed with anger. But the hosts hadn't counted on Buffon, who was very good at hypnotizing Calaiò by neutralizing the spot kick. Decisive save on the day of Zoff's engagement, phenomenal stuff... The black and whites thus took courage and projected themselves into the red and blue half of the pitch. In the 89th minute the revived Quagliarella, who had just entered, obtained a free-kick in the Pirlo area. The tile once again proved to be a friend of the Brescian director, who placed the ball in the top corner of Perin's goal.
“Only a great team could win a game like this, despite some questionable refereeing episodes – thought Conte. – The numbers speak for themselves, we are doing something extraordinary. Now we will think about Fiorentina, but the championship remains our priority". Here, perhaps this is the only small flaw of the evening, together with Quagliarella's outburst as he left the field (“I even solved his game for him” the attacker would have said pointing to Conte). Because now, this extraordinary Juve only needs European growth to become stellar. The fans understood this, now it's up to the club and the coach. On Thursday we will see if there will be a turning point or if this season will remain exceptional only within our borders.
