A late, late header from Dusan Vlahovic saw Juventus salvaging a point against nine-man Bologna in Turin today. After not a particularly eventful first half, Bologna opened the scoring thanks to Marko Arnautovic. Juventus battled hard but it was not easy to go past the opposition’s backline.
Dusan Vlahovic got the equalizer in injury time thanks to Alvaro Morata’s acrobatic assist. Massimiliano Allegri may not be too pleased with just one point but something is better than nothing.
Starting XIs: Both Teams Make Two Changes Each
Both sides made two changes from their previous matches. Juventus started Mattia de Sciglio and Alvaro Morata with Arthur and Denis Zakaria on the bench. Bologna replaced Michel Aebischer with Roberto Soriano while starting Riccardo Orsolini in place of Musa Barrow.
First Half Remains Goalless
Juventus were looking to attack from the very first minute but could not find the target. Vlahovic had a header on goal but it was over the crossbar. The Bianconeri won a free-kick following a handball from Arthur Theate. Up stepped Paulo Dybala but his free-kick was wide.
Bologna also had moments when they attacked but were unable to find the net. Eventually, the first half ended with the stalemate yet to be broken.
Vlahovic Header Cancels out Arnautovic Opener
Juve were looking equalize and had a very good chance when Luca Pellegrini crossed in from the left. However, Adrien Rabiot could not make any contact with the ball. Bologna then opened the scoring through a left-footed pass after latching on to a fine pass from Soriano.
However, the Austrian had to be subbed off due to injury. Juventus continued to attack Bologna’s backline and were desperate for an equalizer. However, the visitors’ backline was solid enough to contain their attackers.
The Bianconeri had a solid chance to score when Adama Soumaoro made a foul just outside the penalty area. The referee sent him off and Gary Medel started to argue with him. The Chilean was given his marching orders as well and Bologna were now down to nine men.
Despite the two-man advantage, Juventus were unable to get the equalizer they were craving for. Eight additional minutes were added after the 90 and Juventus attacked relentlessly in search for a goal.
Juventus won a corner which was taken by Federico Bernardeschi. The ball was about to go out of play but Morata managed to keep it in with an acrobatic pass towards Vlahovic who headed in to level the scores. The Bianconeri kept attacking in search of a winner but could not find it and spoils were shared.
Allegri won’t be too pleased but should be relieved with the point. The only thing Juve could have done more was attack with the same kind of intensity throughout the match as they did during the final few minutes.
The Bianconeri remain fourth in the Serie A table with 63 points while Bologna remain 13th.
What’s Next for Juventus and Bologna
Juventus play Fiorentina in the second leg of their Coppa Italia Semi Final tie. They currently lead 1-0 on aggregate. La Viola are a pretty decent side and it will not be easy for Juve to get the better of them. However, the Bianconeri are playing in front of their home fans and will fancy their chances of reaching the final. Bologna host Udinese next weekend and beating them will not be easy, given that they have won three matches on the trot.
MATCH SCORECARD
April 16, 2022 – Serie A 2021-2022 Matchday 33
JUVENTUS – BOLOGNA 1-1
SCORERS: 58′ Arnautovic (B), 95′ Vlahovic (J)
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JUVENTUS (4-3-3): Szczesny; De Sciglio (86′ Kean), De Ligt (59′ Bonucci), Chiellini (75′ Sandro), Pellegrini (60′ Zakaria); Cuadrado, Danilo, Rabiot; Dybala (59′ Bernardeschi), Vlahovic, Morata (Pinsoglio, Perin, Rugani, Miretti) Coach: Allegri |
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BOLOGNA (3-5-2): Skorupski; Soumaoro, Medel, Theate; Hickey, Soriano (74′ Kasius [87′ Dominguez]), Schouten, Svanberg (74′ Aebischer), Dijks; Arnautovic (65′ Barrow), Orsolini (87′ Bonifazi) (Bardi, Binks, Molla, Viola, Mbaye, De Silvestri, Vignato ) Coach: Tanjga (replacing Mihajlovic) |
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Theate (B), Arnautovic (B), Cuadrado (J), Svanberg (B); Red Cards: Soumaoro (B), Medel (B); Added Time: 1st Half 2′, 2nd Half 8′