Napoli Come from Behind to Heap Misery on Juventus

Juventus had an unbelievable nine players out injured in their make-or-break game against a Napoli side that has impressed a good deal this season. The home side won fairly, as they came back from a goal down to defeat a stuttering Juventus side with sheer will and determination.

The game took off in slow fashion in the first couple of minutes, allowing the teams to size each other up. Both teams grew into the game and chances were created on both sides, without either of the teams being able to dominate the match.

The intensity started to pick up 20 minutes into the first half as the challenges got more aggressive, but still remained fair as each side tried to take over the game. It came as no surprise when Poulsen received the first booking of the game after two quick fouls,  followed up ten minutes later by a yellow card to Molinaro.

Hamsik struggled to establish himself in the first half but Lavezzi continued to be dangerous with every opportunity the Azzuri created. Chiellini was nothing short of a brick wall on his side of the pitch, denying access to any player who tried to get past.

With ten minutes remaining of the first half, Cannavaro brought down Amauri outside the box and Juventus was awarded a free kick. Del Piero managed to force a save from Iezzo from 30 yards, as the goalkeeper had to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Walter Gargano received Napoli’s first booking right before the half-time whistle, the first half ending on an even note with all three points pretty much being up for grabs.

Napoli started on a period of domination in the first part of the second half with opportunities from Hamsik, Maggio, and Lavezzi.

The first goal, however, was awarded to the visiting side as Poulsen found Amauri from the left flank with a low cross that the Brazilian then volleyed in the goal beyond Iezzo. Before that, former Juventus man Blasi managed to get Napoli’s second booking.

Napoli defender Cannavaro pulled his hamstring shortly after the goal and was substituted for Aronica. A minute later was time for the equaliser. Blasi received the ball on the right flank and sent in a cross that Hamsik headed past Manninger in goal, levelling out the score.

The goal started a spark as both teams tried to snatch the winner. Salihamidzic got booked for a late challenge that resulted in the intensity picking up again.

Both Ranieri and Reja made changes with 20 minutes remaining of the game. A visibly disappointed Del Piero walked out to the sidelines and made way for De Ceglie, a curious change indeed, whereas Zalayeta was subbed for Denis.

The game slowed down somewhat after the changes as both teams guarded their points. Ranieri then made his second substitution for the evening, sacrificing Poulsen to make room for newcomer Ekdal.

The winner came with ten minutes remaining of the game. An intended clearance from Knezevic bounced on Lavezzi who made no mistake in adding his name to the score sheet, and 2-1 to the home team.

Ranieri made his final substitution for the evening closely followed by Lavezzi’s goal, throwing in Giovinco instead of Molinaro to salvage a draw.

Juventus had a final chance in the dying minutes of the game as Chiellini rose to meet a Giovinco free kick, but the defender sent his header wide of the mark.

Napoli takes the top spot in the league for the time being while Juventus bagged its second consecutive defeat.

The club is now plunging deeper into crisis bringing up the question; how long before Ranieri is made to walk?