Hands on the shield. Juventus rule Palermo with a bombastic 4-0, a four-of-a-kind that pushes Napoli away to a sidereal distance of 9 points and which, mathematics aside, closes any comeback ambitions. The good news, however, is watered down by Marchisio's bad injury: the medical tests confirmed the rupture of the cruciate ligament in his left knee, a diagnosis which means the season is over and, above all, no European Championship.
“Unfortunately it is a serious matter – commented Allegri. – Now we will make all the necessary assessments, in any case I have many important players in midfield such as Lemina, Hernanes or Sturaro”. The problem, in fact, concerns more Antonio Conte, forced to give up one of the best players in the squad for the French event, a bad blow for all of Italy, regardless of supporters. “The outcome of the resonance can only make me sick – the midfielder's words through his Instagram profile. – These are the risks of our job, I have the strength and a great desire to return well and as soon as possible ".
The injury will not postpone the Juventus season finale, by now very fast towards the 32nd Scudetto, the fifth in a row and even more incredible if one thinks of the team's terrible start. Less than 6 months have passed since the defeat in Reggio Emilia but it seems like an eternity: since then, in fact, there have been 22 victories and 1 draw, a sensational roadmap that has defeated any type of competition. It certainly couldn't have been Palermo that stopped the black and white advance, even though the rosanero had enormous ranking needs (with the victories of Carpi and Frosinone, salvation is ever further away) and they tried to create some problems at Buffon's goal.
“We conceded several chances, after our goal the team pulled the plug and this shouldn't happen – Allegri commented. – The Scudetto hasn't been won yet, there are at least two victories left. I can't give percentages, I just want the points: I'd be happy to even get on par with Napoli and win with goal difference." At least unlikely scenario and not only for the gap in the standings: the technical and mental difference with the Azzurri is too much to hypothesize such a comeback. Juventus is now traveling on autopilot as demonstrated yesterday afternoon.
10 minutes were enough to unlock the match against Palermo, when Khedira scored the opening goal with a splendid flying right foot. From then on, the bianconeri were certainly not transcendental and risked something too much (the sensational opportunity Trajkovski failed in the 31st minute), with the awareness that sooner or later, the doubling would come. And in fact, in the second half, goals arrived in clusters: first Pogba (71'), then Cuadrado (74'), finally Padoin (89') signed the black and white 4-0. A poker that starts the countdown to the Scudetto, now only a matter of time.
