This Napoli-Juventus match will not be forgotten any time soon. Because of the result, a 3-1 victory for the home team, with all goals coming in the second half; but most of all because of the way the result came about. After Gargano quickly replied to Del Piero (scoring a goal for son Tobias), and Trezeguet hit the post, referee Bergonzi became the true star of the match, awarding two non-existent penalties to the home team, both converted by Domizzi. It's the second League defeat for Juventus, coming just before the two home games against Empoli and Inter Milan. Nocerino and Chiellini will miss Wednesday's game against the Tuscan team, due to suspension, alongside Nedved.
After meeting in Serie B last year and in friendly tournaments this summer, Juventus and Napoli were finally back facing each other where they belong: in Serie A. The San Paolo stadium was completely sold out for this match, valid for Day 9 of the League.
Claudio Ranieri, in the stands due to suspension (Damiano taking his place on the bench), surprised everyone once again with the line-up he chose: Zanetti on the bench, and Almiron playing from the start. Meanwhile, Nedved's place was taken by Palladino. The Bianconeri thus began with an unusual 3-4-1-2 formation: Grygera, Legrottaglie and Chiellini in front of Buffon in defence; Molinaro moved up to midfield, playing alongside Almiron, Nocerino and Salihamidzic; Palladino behind the two forwards, Del Piero and Trezeguet.
Napoli played with the same starting line-up that achieved the draw in Rome, including former Juventus players Zalayeta and Blasi. Driven forward by their fans, the home team began well and Buffon immediately had to stop Domizzi. Juventus took their time getting into the match, and only started creating chances after 15 minutes. Molinaro made a run on the left, put the ball in for Trezeguet and Del Piero, and in the end it was Almiron who forced a save from Iezzo. There was another great save by Napoli's keeper on a long-range shot from Trezeguet after 19 minutes.
Juventus’ three up front were finding each other easily and, following a tight one-two at the edge of the area, Salihamidzic almost found himself alone in front of goal. In defence, Grygera, Legrottaglie and Chiellini played well, closing every space. After 38 minutes the Bianconeri scored with Trezeguet, but the Frenchman was offside when he received the pass from Palladino. This was the last thrill of an exciting first half, played at full speed, but ending without goals.
The goals not scored in the first 45 minutes came in the first few minutes of the second half. Juventus’ first chance was converted by Del Piero from a Palladino pass: this was the umpteenth goal scored by the Captain at the San Paolo, a goal for little Tobias, born earlier in the week. But Napoli's reply didn't take long. First Zalayeta tried his luck, but he chipped the ball high over the bar. Then Gargano found a way through Juventus' defence and beat Buffon. After 49 minutes it was a draw again.
Juventus soon went close to going one up again. After 53 minutes, Palladino crossed from the right and Trezeguet hit a sensational post, then on the rebound Del Piero put the ball high from a favourable position. Just seconds later, another Palladino cross – from the left – and another header from 'Trezegol': Iezzo saved.
The balance was broken after 62 minutes, but only because of referee Bergonzi. Chiellini clearly intervened on the ball to stop Lavezzi, but the ref incredibly signalled a penalty, and Domizzi scored from the spot. But it didn't end here. After 69 minutes the same situation repeated itself. This time it was Zalayeta who dived when Buffon came out towards him. The referee was fooled again and awarded another penalty kick, and booked the keeper too. Domizzi converted again and the score was now 3-1.
Juventus went forward but it wasn't easy for them to react after two blows like that. Damiano made the first substitution after 75 minutes, Marchionni replacing Grygera. This was the season debut for the Rome-born midfielder after so much bad luck. A few minutes later it was Iaquinta's turn, replacing Palladino. After 87 minutes Tiago also came on for Almiron. But not much happened in the last few minutes, with the Bianconeri still shell-shocked by the two knock-out blows administered by Bergonzi. After four minutes' injury time the match ended with all the fans at the San Paolo ecstatic with joy. As for Juventus, it'll be better just to move on and concentrate on the two matches in the space of four days against Empoli and Inter Milan.
Refer: Juventus.com
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