Friday, January 14, 2011

Coppa Italia - Juventus vs Catania - Review

Juventus have put a two loss streak to an end, by comprehensively accounting for Catania in their Coppa Italia round of 16 clash. The Bianconeri scored two goals through wingers Pepe and Krasic. Although another injury, this time to newly bought Luca Toni will dampen spirits. Catania offered little on the night, giving Buffon an easy return to Italian football.

Juventus looked good from the onset with Milos Krasic returning to his deadly form constantly causing trouble down the wing. Although it was Catania who would almost go ahead with Delvecchio not being able to finish from inside the box, then again from a header which sailed well over.

Juventus were under pressure again although this time Luca Toni went down injured, providing Del Neri with another attacker who would be missing through injury. It was Alberto Aquilani who came on for Toni .

The Old Lady put the injury behind them going on to take the lead through a well worked goal. Inspirational captain Alessandro Del Piero, jerked inside the box, turning away from his marker. The veteran then expertly set up a ball over the top to Krasic who finished on the volley with ease. It was almost Del Piero assisting another teamate just two minutes later as Marchisio was stopped trying to round the keeper.

Juventus went on to dominate possession for the remainder of the first half. They came out in the same form in the second. After winning a few consecutive corners Simone Pepe latched onto a Chiellini header to the back post to also volley the ball into the net, much the same as teamate Krasic.

Juventus saw out the remainder of the match, much the same way they went about gaining the lead. Dominating possession whilst ensuring that their passing was accurate and creative. Felip Melo muscled out the Catania midfield and Juventus looked to be a revived team after their loss to Napoli last week.

Juventus face Bari this weekend and will hope to turn the tides on a first matchday loss.

Final Score -       Juventus 2        Catania 0
                            Krasic 35
                            Pepe  54

Man of the Match - Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus)