Juventus won their fourth match on the trot as they beat Sampdoria 3-1 at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
The Bianconeri opened the scoring thanks to an own goal from Maya Yoshida before Alvaro Morata doubled their lead from the penalty spot. Sampdoria did manage to pull one back after Abdelhamid Sabbiri’s freekick found the net following a deflection off Morata.
However, the Spaniard later found a second to seal victory for his team. Sampdoria conceded their first goals at home under new manager Marco Giampaolo who will be far from pleased with the way his team conceded the first two.
The Blucerchiati still have a lot to do if they are to survive in Serie A this season. Massimiliano Allegri will be glad with the three teams but will also expect a lot more lethality up front in upcoming matches.
Starting XIs: No Vlahovic for Juventus, Sampdoria Make Two Changes
Juventus made just the one change from their win over Spezia with Moise Kean starting in place of star striker Dusan Vlahovic. Marco Giampaolo made a couple of changes to the Sampdoria XI from their defeat in Udine. Tommaso Augello started at the expense of the suspended Nicola Murru while Morten Thorsby replaced Albin Ekdal in midfield.
Sampdoria Gift Juventus a 2-0 Lead
Neither side shied away from attacking but it was Juventus who opened the scoring midway during the first half after Yoshida hit Juan Cuadrado’s shot into his own net.
Sampdoria looked to level things up and tried to put pressure on their opponents’ backline. Antonio Candreva sent a ball deep into Juve’s penalty area but Matthijs de Ligt headed it away from a corner.
Shortly after, Augello passed to Stefano Sensi who took a shot on goal. However, Bianconeri goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was there to deny him.
A few minutes later, Juventus won a penalty after Omar Colley fouled Kean in the penalty area. Up stepped Morata and he scored to double his team’s lead.
Morata Scores Double to Put the Game to Bed
Juventus were looking to extend their lead early in the second half and looked to have a good chance when Manuel Locatelli’s ball found Kean. However, the striker’s shot was blocked by Wladimiro Falcone. Sampdoria had a scoring chance just after the hour-mark when Francesco Caputo had an adventurous attempt at goa. However, his volley was wide.
Allegri brought on Vlahovic for Kean in the 65th minute in an attempt to fortify Juve’s attack Sampdoria’s persistent willingness to attack was rewarded as they won a penalty following a handball from Adrien Rabiot.
However, Candreva’s spot-kick was saved by Szczesny and Juve maintained their two-goal lead. Just minutes later, Vlahovic had a chance to extend the visitors’ lead but Falcone managed to block his shot. Sampdoria eventually managed to pull one back as substitute Abdelhamid Sabbiri’s free-kick found the back of the net following a massive deflection off Morata’s back. The Spaniard however, restored Juve’s two-goal lead after heading in from Locatelli’s cross.
The Bianconeri eventually won 3-1 and remain fourth in the Serie A table. They are just a point behind Napoli who have a game in hand. Juve may have scored thrice but a lot of that was due to mistakes from the opposition.
They had only six attempts on goal throughout the match and Allegri will be hoping to see a lot more intent from the attackers in the upcoming matches.
Their defense though was rigid and very well-organized. Sampdoria were always willing to attack during the match but lacked killer instinct. They will have to be a lot more clinical if they’re to avoid relegation.
What’s Next for Sampdoria and Juventus
Sampdoria travel to Venice next weekend for their fixture against Venezia. Marco Giampaolo’s side will hope to get their first away win of 2022 to stay clear of the relegation zone and they have a fair chance of doing so.
Juventus host Villarreal in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie. The aggregate is currently tied at 1-1 and the Bianconeri will fancy their chances of entering the Quarter Finals given that they last lost a home game in November.
MATCH SCORECARD
March 12, 2022 – Serie A 2021-2022 Matchday 29
SAMPDORIA – JUVENTUS 1-3
SCORERS: 23′ Yoshida (S, o.g.), 34′ Morata (J), 84′ Sabbiri (S), 88′ Morata (J)
 |
SAMPDORIA (4-4-2): Falcone; Bereszynski, Yoshida, Colley, Augello (83′ Conti); Rincon (83′ Trimboli), Candreva, Thorsby, Sensi (66′ Giovinco); Caputo, Quagliarella (62′ Sabbiri) (Audero, Ekdal, Supryaha, Askildsen, Ferrari, Magnani, Ravaglia) Coach: Giampaolo |
 |
JUVENTUS (4-4-2): Szczesny; Danilo, De Ligt, Rugani, Pellegrini (85′ De Sciglio); Cuadrado, Locatelli, Arthur, Rabiot (75′ Sandro); Kean (65′ Vlahovic), Morata (Perin, Pinsoglio, Miretti, Akè, Stramaccioni) Coach: Allegri |
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Rabiot (J), Pellegrini (J); Added Time: 1st Half 0′, 2nd Half 4′