Juventus back on top after clinical win against wasteful Napoli
Federico Gatti was at it again on Friday evening as he scored the winner for the second game in a row as Juventus beat Napoli 1-0 to go top of Serie A. Gatti, who scored a dramatic late winner last Friday against Monza, scored earlier in this match against the defending champions but the club from Naples couldn’t find a way past the Juventus defensive unit.
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Juventus' Italian defender #04 Federico Gatti celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Italian Serie A football match between Juventus and Napoli, at The Allianz Stadium, in Turin on December 8, 2023.
Image credit: Getty Images
Federico Gatti’s goal was enough to give Juventus all three points against Napoli as the Turin giants overtook Inter Milan at the top of Serie A and sent a stern warning regarding their title credentials.
Napoli began the game better and they were camped in Juventus’ half for the bulk of the opening period but were unable to threaten.
Juventus responded well to create a big chance for Dusan Vlahovic, and his miss was nearly punished moments later when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ran onto Victor Osimhen’s pass but put the ball over the bar.
Those were the best chances in a fast-paced first half, but it felt like Juventus were relieved hear the referee’s whistle to end the period.
Whatever Max Allegri said to his players certainly worked at half time as Juventus restarted the game with purpose and were soon in front.
A superb cross from Andrea Cambiaso was directed into a dangerous area and Gatti was on hand to climb highest and nod Juventus into the lead from close range.
Napoli tried desperately to get back into the game and they thought they had done when Osimhen reacted quickest to a poor kick from Wojciech Szczesny but failed to convert.
Despite their best efforts, Napoli could not find the target as Juventus held on for what could be one of their most important results of the season.
TALKING POINT - JUVENTUS COULD BE TITLE FAVOURITES
Juventus, and Max Allegri, know all about winning titles in Italy and it looks like they are well equipped to do well this season. Juventus' remarkable run continued and after beating Napoli to go top of the table, and they will have full confidence they can stay there for the remainder of the season. Allegri has taken a while to work his magic with this bunch of players after being blessed with widespread talent during his previous run with the club, but this side are working hard and they are winning ugly. This could be Juventus' campaign and every other club in Serie A knows full well what happens when Juventus hit the top spot. They usually stay there.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH - FEDERICO CHIESA (JUVENTUS)
Always looking to make things happen, Federico Chiesa was a cause of concern for the Napoli defence on more than one occasion. This was a spirited battle with both sides defending well for large portions, but Chiesa's willingness to always make things happen gives him the edge over the matchwinner, Gatti.
PLAYER RATINGS
Juventus: Szczesny 7, Gatti 8, Bremer 7, Danilo 7; Cambiaso 7, McKennie 7, Locatelli 7, Rabiot 7, Kostic 7; Chiesa 8, Vlahovic 7
Napoli: Meret 7, Di Lorenzo 7, Rrahmani 7, Juan Jesus 6, Natan 6, Anguissa 6, Lobotka 6, Zielinski 6, Politano 6, Osimhen 7, Kvaratskhelia 7
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
19' - JUVENTUS CHANCE! Vlahovic is unmarked in the box but he takes too long to shoot and his effort is blocked.
28' - NAPOLI CHANCE! Kvaratskhelia has an easy opportunity but his shot goes over the bar.
51' - GOAL! - JUVENTUS 1-0 NAPOLI (Federico Gatti): Gatti is at the back post and he climbs highest to head home from close range.
84' - NAPOLI CHANCE! Napoli roll the dice but their best chance falls to Jesus and he heads over the bar.
