Juventus claimed three crucial points by defeating Spezia 1-0 in Turin today. A goal from Alvaro Morata thanks to a error from the opposition made all the difference for the Bianconeri. The match wasn’t the most exciting to watch but Massimiliano Allegri’s side were able to get the job done.
However, the performance could have been a lot better and they will need to be more clinical in order to spark talks of a late title charge from their side. Nonetheless, the team will be glad to get the three points.
Starting XIs: Both Teams Make Four Changes Each
Juventus made four changes from their Coppa Italia victory over Fiorentina with Wojciech Szczesny back in goal at the expense of Mattia Perin. Daniele Rugani was back in the XI following his return from injury and replaced Mattia de Sciglio. Juan Cuadrado and Morata replaced Marley Ake and Mose Kean respectively.
Spezia also made four changes from their last match which was a home defeat to Roma. Salva Ferrer replaced the suspended Kelvin Amian in the lineup while Giulio Maggiore came in for Jacopo Sala.
Spezia Gift Opening Goal to Morata and Juventus
Juventus were looking to attack from the very first minute and Spezia pretty much sat back and defended. Arthur tried to have a shot at goal but it was blocked. Just a few minutes later, Spezia’s goalkeeper Ivan Provedel made a half-hearted distribution and Dusan Vlahovic passed to Manuel Locatelli, who in turn, passed to Morata. The Spaniard found the net to give Juventus the lead. This was Morata’s first Serie A goal in 2022.
Spezia were mostly defending but they did try to attack a bit towards the end of the first half. However, the best they could manage was a corner which did not yield anything apart from a fruitless shot from Ferrer.
Juventus Hold on to Their Lead
Juventus were looking to extend their lead in the second half while Spezia were keen on leveling the scores. The visitors actually had an early header on goal from Gyasi but Szczesny had little trouble holding on to it.
The next few minutes hardly witnessed any exciting action from either side as the ball was simply being passed around the Spezia half but to no avail. Dusan Vlahovic was unusually quiet today and none of the other Juve attackers well and truly threatened the opposition backline.
Spezia tried to attack in the 71st minute with Reca crossing towards Manaj only for the latter’s shot to be wide off target. The visitors’ one good chance to shoot came in the 80th minute when Agudelo attempted to find the net. However, Szczesny made a fine save to deny him. This was the opportunity which Spezia should have made the most out of.
In the end, Juve managed to hold on to their lead and win the match. The Bianconeri remain fourth in the league table and are only five points behind leaders Inter who have a game in hand. Allegri’s side might just be able to launch a title charge but they will have to be more clinical in front of goal.
Spezia remain 16th in the standings.
What’s Next for Juventus and Spezia
Juventus travel to Genoa for their match against Sampdoria next weekend. The Bianconeri have been in pretty good form lately and will fancy their chances against Marco Giampaolo’s side who have lost their last two league fixtures. Spezia host Cagliari next weekend and will look to seal all three points to widen the gap between themselves and the relegation zone. Walter Mazzarri’s side have won just one out of their last four Serie A matches.
MATCH SCORECARD
March , 2022 – Serie A 2021-2022 Matchday 28
JUVENTUS – SPEZIA: 1-0
SCORERS: 21′ Morata (J)
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JUVENTUS (4-4-2): Szczesny; Danilo, De Ligt, Rugani, Pellegrini; Cuadrado, Arthur, Locatelli, Rabiot; Vlahovic, Morata (Pinnsoglio, Perin, Ake, Soule, Miretti, Stramaccioni) Coach: Allegri |
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SPEZIA (4-2-3-1): Provedel; Ferrer, Erlic, Nikolaou, Reca; Maggiore, Bastoni;Verde, Agudelo, Gyasi; Manaj (Zoet, Hristov, Podgoreanu, Antiste, Sher, Nguiamba, Zovko, Strelec, Bertola,) Coach: Motta |
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Pellegrini (J), Parisi (E); Added Time: 1st Half 2′, 2nd Half 4′