Juventus went into this fixture sitting in 3rd place and 4
points behind their rivals Napoli, who began the night undefeated domestically
this season after 14 games. Juventus would be without Mario Mandzukic, Stephan
Lichtsteiner and Benedikt Howedes, but could rely on the former Napoli man
Gonzalo Higuain, who would insist on playing despite having hand surgery 4 days
prior to tonight's clash. It was a fixture billed as a potential title decider
and it did not disappoint, as both sides attacked early on in the opening
minutes of the game. It would be Juventus who struck first, hitting Napoli with
a quick counter attack resulting in Higuain hitting the back of the net from a
Dybala assist 13 minutes in. Not so long after the opening goal, Hamsik tried
his luck from range against Buffon, but was denied equaling Diego Maradonna's
club record goal tally by the hand of Buffon. Napoli for the most part
controlled possession through out the night but would remain vulnerable to
Juventus counters, particularly when the pace of Douglas Costa was involved. On
the half hour mark Napoli again would have the opportunity to bring the score
line level, after Insigne managed to flick the ball on from a corner kick into
Buffon.
The second half began with Napoli continuing to have most of
the possesion, yet still failing to score the all important goal. Juventus
solid defending preventing Napoli from looking like their much lauded free
scoring self. 64 minutes in and the game had its first big moment for the
referee, as Mertens went down to ground when under pressure inside the Juventus
penalty box, a quick silent VAR check
confirmed the referees initial decision and no penalty was given. Moments later
Juventus almost doubled their lead, as Blase Matuidi had his point blank range
effort brilliantly saved by Reina to prevent the goal. With the game fast
approaching the last remaining 20 minutes Insigne would go close to finally
scoring the goal Napoli desperately wanted, firing wide from a tight angled
shot. Minutes later Insigne would leave the pitch in signs of discomfort after
accidentally colliding with Buffon, being replaced by Adam Ounas for the
remaining 15 minutes of the game. Napoli would continue maintaining possession
of the ball as they had done for most of the second half, having 66% of
possession at one stage, but ultimately fail to break through Juventus fine
defensive display as the night ended 1-0 for Juventus to go within 1 point of
the league leaders
Talking Points: Buffon, like the defence in front of him,
was rock solid, stopping every Napoli attack that came his way with several
saves. Douglas Costa had a brilliant night, troubling Napoli with his
blistering pace in attack, as well as contributing in defence too, most notably
his impressive challenge on Mario Rui inside the Juventus penalty area. After
all the will he, wont he play speculation prior to the game, Higuain did indeed
play, and boy did he play his part in a big way, scoring the only goal of the
night with his first clear cut chance on goal, Higuain controlled the pass from
Dybala brilliantly and had no hesitation when one on one against Reina. Overall
A big 3 points taken away from a tough venue, a venue that Juventus had only
taken one win from the previous 13 attempts., and a Juventus that looked much
like the side most fans remember when it comes to being defensively solid.
Full Time Result: Napoli 0-1 Juventus
Goal Scorers: Higuain (13)
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