Juventus 2-0 Napoli
Juventus won the battle of the fallen giants and further extended their lead at the top of Serie B despite playing in 10 men, as Napoli hit the woodwork twice. This tie was postponed due to the players away on international duty. Napoli got off to a very aggressive start in Turin with Sosa twice going close, but after 15 minutes the Bianconeri took control and the lead with Nedved’s cross whipped in to the back post for a Camoranesi header from the tightest of angles. Dalla Bona wasted a great opportunity to equalise immediately, volleying over the bar from the penalty spot, and Sosa held up the ball for Bogliacino to fire high. Instead Iezzo kept the scoreline down with desperate saves on Del Piero and a Nedved stinger from 25 metres.
Juventus finally beat the goalkeeper after the break. Camoranesi turned provider with a sweeping cross that missed out Maldonado and Del Piero flicked past Iezzo with the outside of his right foot. Trezeguet was having a terrible game and wasted two great chances to put the result beyond doubt, so he made way for Paro.
However, Juve were forced to reorganise when Marchisio was sent off for a late challenge on Gatti. Giannichedda was also booked and will be suspended for this weekend’s trip to Lecce. Trotta scissor-kicked his volley into Buffon’s arms and Del Piero wasted a counter-attack. Boumsong limped off with an injury, making way for ex-Chievo defender Legrottaglie, and Napoli continued to push with Trotta’s half-volley.
There was controversy on 82 minutes, as Nedved was on the ground for several minutes and play continued with Domizzi’s screamer hitting the bar. Sosa was even unluckier soon after, as he sprung the offside trap and placed his angled drive past Buffon towards a totally empty net, only for the ball to roll on to the upright. Del Piero went off exhausted with Nedved and Camoranesi suffering from cramp, but the Bianconeri held on for a crucial victory and in stoppages Palladino failed to score a third by prodding Nedved’s pass wide with only Iezzo to beat.
Scorers: Camoranesi 18 (J), Del Piero 50 (J)
Sent off: Marchisio 62 (J)
Juventus: Buffon, Zebina, Boumsong (Legrottaglie 77), Chiellini, Balzaretti; Camoranesi, Giannichedda, Marchisio, Nedved; Del Piero (Palladino 88), Trezeguet (Paro 63)
Napoli: Iezzo, Maldonado, Cannavaro, Domizzi; Grava (Montervino 46), Dalla Bona, Gatti (Trotta 67), Savini; Bogliacino; Calaiò (Pia 56), Sosa
Ref: Ayroldi
Football Italia
Jazeerah did'nt broadcast it!!
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