Juventus ended their consecutive stalemate run with a convincing 3-1 victory over Catania, extending their undefeated record this season and also temporarily leapfrogging Ac Milan from the top of Serie A table.
The Bianconeri had to come back from a goal down before earning their victory, but there’s also an advantage earned by Antonio Conte’s side as their opponent were forced to play with only 10 men on the pitch.
Eying to get back on their winning ways in the league, Juventus was surprised by Catania’s fine start in the game as the visitor caused lots of problems in the first 15 minutes, earning a goal after only four minutes. Pablo Barrientos’ curled drive stunned Gianluigi Buffon as the Italian international was forced to take the ball from his net, making the Bianconeri pushing hard for the equalizer immediately as they don’t want to lose their undefeated run.
Juve’s effort paid off after 22 minutes when Andrea Pirlo scored his first goal for the Bianconeri with his trade mark free kick which curled passed Kosicky on Catania’s goal. The home team tried to improve their pressure in the second half but the doors seemed closed until Marco Motta picked up his second yellow card in the game, forcing Vincenzo Montella’s side to play with only 10 men on the pitch.
Things finally opened up for the Bianconeri as they broke the dead lock through Giorgio Chiellini’s header from Pirlo’s wonderful free kick in the 74th minute. The goal simply ended Catania’s resistance as Juventus ended up adding another goal from Fabio Quagliarella, who pounced on Kosicky’s mistake in failing to clear his line.
The victory obviously means a lot for Conte’s side as they remain confident about their chance in winning the league title this season as the Scudetto battle looked set for the upcoming week where they met Ac Milan in San Siro. Juve have actually beaten Rossoneri twice this season, once in the league while the other in the Italian Cup, but things could turned out differently especially when Milan can get their full squad fit for that tie.
photo credit: _bianconero
