Juventus: This Week in Black and White

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A tough week for Juventus saw them host Napoli in Serie A before heading to Israel for the return game with Maccabi Haifa. With the dominating win over Sampdoria under their belts, it was a week many expected il Bianconeri to further assert their dominance, but, as Adamo Digby reports, things don't always go to plan.

So Napoli came to Turin, fresh from coming back from two goals down against Milan to salvage a 2-2 draw and preserve the undefeated run they have been on since replacing Roberto Donadoni as manager. 

Juventus started the game in the same formation used to such devastating effect against Doria, but with a few personnel changes. Poulsen came in for the injured Sissoko, and Trezeguet started the game, presumably to save Amauri for the midweek Champions League game.

The team played well in the early stages, almost opening the scoring through Giovinco after just 20 seconds. They continued this impressive play, although Buffon made a great save from Aronica's long range strike.

The team suffered another injury blow on 30 minutes—Camoranesi clashed heads with Contini. He was left with blood pouring from a cut that required stitches, and despite wanting to play on, he was replaced by Tiago.

Five minutes later and things were looking up for Juventus. Grygera whipped in a good cross, Trezeguet met it with an even better header, leaving De Sanctis helpless and Juve 1-0 up.

After the break, Juve continued the same attacking play, before Contini showed perhaps the earlier clash of heads did affect him, too. Unmarked in the box, he inexplicably headed a simple clearance straight to the feet of Giovinco. A complete gift, the Juve man will not score an easier goal.

The 2-0 scoreline sparked Napoli into life. Indeed they proved lightening not only strikes twice, but the that the second time is more damaging. Yet again they clawed and fought their way back to 2-2. Then Tiago decided to return Contini's gift, he miscued a simple clearance straight to Hamsik, who made no mistake slotting home.

A frustrating game for il Bianconeri, which showed when Amauri received a straight red card following a clash with De Sanctis. Luckily for Juve, with Iaquinta out and Del Piero having only played 12 minutes this season, the FIGC only banned the striker for one game. It could easily have been more and that would have left Ferrara with a real problem.

On then to the Champions League, another imprtant game as Juve needed to keep pace with Bayern and Bordeaux. Camoranesi played in a large bandage to protect the stitches and scored the only goal in first half injury time.

Juventus controlled the match, although Buffon was again on hand to make a couple of vital saves. Bordeaux beat Bayern to qualify, and now Juve are left fight the Germans for the other spot. A win against Bordeaux next month would be enough, and would prevent Juve from needing a result when Munchen visit Turin in December.

Inter won again, meaning Juventus are already trailing by seven points, the Dec. 5 clash is looming large. With games against Atalanta, Udinese, and Catania before then, maximum points are vital, otherwise Inter will be over the horizon before the winter break is upon us.

Time then for Ferrara and his players to put in a consistent level of performance. It is no good soundly beating beating Roma, Lazio and Doria only to drop losses to Palermo and Napoli. Champions are made of sterner stuff and now is the time to step up and prove worthy challengers.

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