Juventus gained a precious win on Chievo’s difficult field thanks to Olivera’s goal on 42’ minutes in the second half. Capello’s squad, after dominating the first half, conceded little to the opponent in the second half and, with a great sprint in the final minutes, caught the victory and continues their race to the Scudetto aside with Milan.
Juventus start the first half in attack, while Chievo play in defence. Capello’s squad attempts on goal with Del Piero on 4’ and 17’ minutes, Trezeguet on 13’ minutes and Zambrotta on 25’ minutes. The trident attack chosen by Capello is always dangerous, this time composed of Del Piero, Trezeguet and Zalayeta, the hero of last Champions’ Leagues’ night. In the final minutes, the home side attacks with Luciano who gains a corner shot, followed by his header, finally wide of target. Juventus reply with Del Piero who serves Zalayeta but the Uruguayan striker misses the chance to go on goal.
During the break, Beretta substitutes Zanchetta with Cossato. Juventus start well the second half but after 5 minutes it’s Chievo to get close to goal with Pellissier who hits the bar from the long distance, the ball bounces down to the ground and the linesman indicates that it is outside the net. Meanwhile, Capello substitutes Trezeguet, who’s still recovering, with Ibrahimovic. After 18 minutes, once Emerson’s cross has been missed by Del Piero, the Swede attempts on goal but Potenza clears. On 24’ minutes, Juventus get close to goal with Camoranesi, whose shot from the short distance is deflected for a corner by Marchigiani. After 27 minutes, Del Piero gets dangerous with a free kick that the goalkeeper punches back, one minute later Pellissier’s left-footed reply is high over the bar. The Bianconeri’s pressure rises in the final minutes: Zambrotta’s right-footed worries Marchigiani, Emerson brushes the goalpost from the edge of the box, then it comes the winning goal, scored by Olivera, who had just replaced Del Piero. The action is triggered by Camoranesi, who crosses from the midfield, Ibrahimovic tries to shoot, D’Anna unintentionally serves Olivera who scores (0-1)! The Uruguayan celebrates the goal, then gets back to playing but a bit of tension causes a double red card for the very Olivera and Potenza. And here is how the match ends, with three precious points gained by Juventus who continue in their positive series.
CHIEVO-JUVENTUS 0-1
GOALS: 42’sh Olivera
CHIEVO: Marchegiani, Potenza, D’Anna, Mandelli, Lanna, Luciano, Sanmarco, Baronio (41’sh Brighi), Semioli (31’sh Franceschini), Zanchetta (1’sh Cossato), Pellissier. Manager: Beretta. Substitutes: Marcon, Moro, Brighi, Cossato, Fusani, Franceschini, Amauri.
JUVENTUS: Buffon, Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Camoranesi, Emerson, Blasi, Zalayeta, Trezeguet (14’sh Ibrahimovic), Del Piero (31’sh Olivera). Manager: Capello. Substitutes: Chimenti, Pessotto, Montero, Appiah, Tacchinardi, Olivera, Ibrahimovic.
REFEREE: Paparesta
YELLOW CARDS: 6’sh Camoranesi, 11’sh Zebina, 21’sh D’Anna, 37’sh Cossato, 43’sh Olivera
RED CARDS: 43’ Olivera and Potenza