Champions Juventus rounded off their unbeaten season on a high by running out 3-1 winners over Atalanta in front of a delirious home crowd at Juventus Stadium. First half goals from Marrone and Del Piero put the hosts into cruise control, while Barzagli put the icing on the cake with a well-taken penalty in the closing stages.
True, there was nothing at stake in terms of the title, but Antonio Conte had repeatedly emphasised the importance of his team ending the season without defeat - and the Bianconeri kept to his orders by producing a dominant performance against the Nerazzurri.
The manager rang the changes for the team’s final Serie A encounter of the campaign. In came Storari, Estigarribia, Padoin, Marrone, Borriello and Del Piero. De Ceglie remained sidelined with a thigh problem, while Vidal served a one-match suspension.
Urged on by an electric home support, the hosts got off to a flying start thanks to Marrone’s strike inside the opening ten minutes. The young midfielder, who provided a fine assist when the two sides met in Bergamo, tormented the Nerazzurri for the second time this season, lashing home a thunderous effort from inside the penalty area after connecting with Borriello’s sumptuous backheel.
It was a goal that opened the floodgates, with Juventus driving forward in search of their second. And when it did arrive, it would provide a moment to treasure for the Bianconeri faithful present at the stadium and all those watching across the globe.
There seemed to be little danger when Giaccherini received the ball surrounded by a sea of blue shirts on the edge of the area. The winger, however, dropped his shoulder and picked out Del Piero lurking with intent. As Juventus Stadium drew a collective deep breath in anticipation, the captain curled the ball deliciously into the bottom corner before wheeling away to join his team-mates in a group huddle.
In truth, the second half had an exhibition feel to it, as the Bianconeri received continual applause for their efforts over the course of the season. But no ovation was louder than the one that greeted Del Piero making way for Pepe shortly after the restart. The captain responded in kind, touring the perimeter of the pitch to bid farewell to his adoring public.
Atalanta threatened to spoil the party when Bellini’s fizzed effort across goal was turned into his own net by Lichtsteiner seven minutes from time.
But Conte’s men regained their stride and won a penalty in the dying stages. Barzagli, on as a late substitute for Chiellini, was encouraged by his team-mates to step forward and cap off an unforgettable afternoon in style. And the giant defender made no mistake, lashing home a perfectly placed spot-kick to get the party started in the best possible way.
The final whistle brought cheers of joy as the captain returned to the field to lift the Scudetto trophy high into the Turin sky.
JUVENTUS 3-1 ATALANTA
GOALS: Marrone 10, Del Piero 28, Lichtsteiner (o.g.) 83, Barzagli (pen) 91
JUVENTUS
Storari; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini (Barzagli 88), Estigarribia (Quagliarella 66); Padoin, Pirlo, Marrone; Giaccherini, Borriello, Del Piero (Pepe 57).
Substitutes not used: Manninger, Barzagli, Marchisio, Matri, Vucinic.
Manager: Conte.
ATALANTA
Frezzolini; Bellini, Lucchini, Manfredini, Peluso; Schelotto (Minotti 52), Carmona, Cazzola (Cigarini 83), Bonaventura; Moralez (Gabbiadini 52); Denis.
Substitutes not used: Polito, Ferri, Raimondi, Tiribocchi.
Manager: Colantuono.
REFEREE: Gava
ASSISTANTS: La Rocca, Carretta
FOURTH OFFICIAL: Palzzino
Source: Juventus.com
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