Post by Salem6 on Feb 17, 2008 9:04:16 GMT
Serie A Week 23 - 16/2/08 (19.30 UK)
Juventus 1 - 0 Roma
Del Piero 45 (J)
Stadio Olimpico
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A cracking Alex Del Piero free kick allowed Juventus to defeat Roma in the battle for second place, although the Giallorossi hit the woodwork.
Francesco Totti admitted this fixture was to some even bigger than the derby and one cannot describe the rivalry between these clubs. The fact it was a six-pointer for second place just added spice. Juan, Jorge Andrade and Marco Marchionni were injured, but Luciano Spalletti had to consider squad rotation ahead of next week's Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
Roma's record in Turin has been abysmal with just seven victories, 20 draws and 46 defeats. Their last win was in September 2001, followed by two points from four visits.
Juve fielded a trident attack and had a very aggressive start, but when a corner fell kindly for Jonathan Zebina he hesitated and allowed the defence to charge him down.
Gianluigi Buffon parried a dangerous Max Tonetto cross-shot at the near post, but Roma almost scored a curious goal. Amantino Mancini's snapshot ricocheted off Francesco Totti's shin and threatened to catch out Buffon, so Giorgio Chiellini cleared practically off the line.
Iaquinta chipped a cross for Del Piero's free header straight at Alexander Doni. On 38 minutes the Giallorossi threatened with Totti and Mancini combining for Simone Perrotta's effort deflected over.
The best opportunity of the game so far arrived moments later, as Trezeguet flicked the ball into the centre for a fantastic Iaquinta right-foot volley that Doni palmed round the post.
Pavel Nedved went on a blazing run through the centre and Philippe Mexes was fortunate not to receive a second booking for bringing him down on the edge of the box. From the resulting free kick Del Piero broke the deadlock with an absolute screamer. He usually aims to curl them, but in this case the captain smashed a right-foot rocket into the near top corner.
However, less than 20 seconds later Roma were only denied an equaliser by the upright! Nicola Legrottaglie came sliding in to clear from Perrotta, but accidentally fired it on to the woodwork.
Camoranesi has a muscular problem and went off for Antonio Nocerino. The Giallorossi fought back and a Ferrari header was deflected off target before David Pizarro completely mis-kicked on what was a terrible performance from the Chilean.
Zebina went on a marauding run and combined with Iaquinta to blast over, but Mexes' header from a corner kick skimmed the upright.
Ludovic Giuly replaced Taddei and he sprung the offside trap for a brilliant volleyed pass across the face of goal, but it was just too long for Totti to get the decisive tap-in.
Legrottaglie did well to stand his ground and charge down one of Mancini's trademark step-over solo runs.
Momo Sissoko replaced Trezeguet as Juve switched to a 4-4-2 system, but Roma kept pushing and Buffon flew to push a swerving Daniele De Rossi free kick out of the top corner.
Del Piero wanted a penalty when he pounced on a defensive error, but the referee awarded a free kick to Roma because Doni got to the ball first. Del Piero's wayward strike turned into an assist for Iaquinta, who swept it inches past the far post.
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Juventus: Buffon; Zebina, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro; Camoranesi (Nocerino 46), Zanetti, Nedved (Palladino 81); Del Piero; Iaquinta, Trezeguet (Sissoko 67)
Roma: Doni; Cassetti, Ferrari, Mexes, Tonetto; Pizarro (Aquilani 73), De Rossi; Taddei (Giuly 60), Perrotta (Esposito 82), Mancini; Totti
Ref: Saccani
www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/sa0708/juv-rom.html