The Primavera have sealed a place in this year’s playoffs, despite slipping to a 1-0 home defeat against Genoa. Novara’s draw with challengers Fiorentina means the Bianconeri are mathematically certain of finishing the season in pole position, guaranteeing their spot in the final stages.
Marco Baroni opted to make several changes to his starting line-up following last week’s derby against Torino. Appelt sat out through suspension, while Chibsah was named among the substitutes after taking a knock against the Granata. Branescu started in goal. Carfora, Carlos Garcia, Magnusson and Belfasti formed the defence. Bouy, Schiavone and Lanini made up the midfield three, while Ruggiero, Libertazzi and Margiotta took their places in a three-pronged attack.
The Bianconeri got off to a flying start and could have been two goals to the good within the opening few minutes. Margiotta saw his effort saved by Zima before Garcia rose highest to head a fine attempt against the woodwork. Genoa, however, soon began to enjoy increased possession and made it count at the end of the first-half, with Parodi keeping his cool to slot past Branescu.
The beginning of the second period saw Juventus back on the attack, pushing for a vital equaliser. This almost arrived ten minutes following the restart, only for the referee to rule out Margiotta’s attempt for offside. Baroni then elected to add extra offensive impetus by replacing Lanini with Padovan.
Genoa reacted by closing down in numbers and denying the hosts any time or space. Padovan went close, but found Zima equal to it. A frantic finale saw Magnusson denied by Zima and Margiotta lash his attempt wide of the target just before the final whistle.
Juventus will be back in action on Wednesday in the first of their final two championship fixtures, with Novara making the trip to Chisola. A trip to Parma rounds off the league campaign on Saturday, before all attentions then turn to the end of season playoffs.
Source: Juventus.com
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