Another step towards the Scudetto. Juventus also liquidated the Sampdoria practice with a test that certainly won't go down in history for champagne football, but which certifies 3 very heavy points, perhaps fundamental in the fight for the title.
Marassi's away match was an important bulwark, especially in anticipation of the direct clash with Napoli: the bianconeri overcame him and can now go to the San Paolo with an advantage of 8 points over Roma and 10 over the Azzurri.
Not bad considering the Champions League just played and the actual pitfall of the away game, on the pitch of a team that hadn't lost in 7 games and that presented itself free from any thoughts of the standings.
Victory was (7' Cuadrado, spectacular header on Asamoah's assist) but with a few too many drawbacks: Dybala's injury (muscle problem, will be assessed in the next few hours) and excessive suffering in the second half, at least according to Allegri , appeared furious on several occasions for the management of his.
“We had to manage the ball better – explained the Juventus coach. – In any case, it was a very important victory, even if it's not 3 championship points. It was essential to win because after the break we will have Napoli”.
It will be a very delicate challenge, because in the meantime the hierarchies behind it have also remained unchanged. Roma, despite falling behind, managed to reassemble Sassuolo and fight back the victory of the Azzurri on the Empoli field, which was also rather daring. The 3-1 for the Giallorossi doesn't completely erase the Europa League disappointment, but it certainly gives a smile back to an environment worried by the latest results and terrified from the start of the game.
After Defrel's goal (9') it seemed like it could be a nightmarish night, instead Roma were able to equalize with Paredes (16'), overtake with Salah (47'), block with Dzeko (73'). “If we end up like this it won't be a failure, even if it would be a season with zero titles – commented Spalletti. – We need to get results to confirm second place, the club wants to win and my future will only depend on the team."
The same one that infuriated Sarri, very angry despite Empoli's 3 points. In fact, the 2-3 final cries out for revenge: leading by 3 goals for 70', the Azzurri risked being reassembled by Martusciello's team. Insigne's goals (19' and 38') and Mertens' free-kick (24', moreover after missing a penalty at the start) had to certify a clear success, instead Empoli first found a 1-3 draw with El Kaddouri (70'), then the 2-3 with Maccarone (83', penalty).
Sarri didn't like the heart-pounding finale, struggling with his usual management problems. “We can't do it, the only thing we know how to do is play – thundered the coach. – After the excellent first half we became passive, risking a draw that would have been really absurd. I don't like this schedule, let's get the 3 points and go home”.
