Post by Salem6 on Mar 20, 2008 8:35:30 GMT
Serie A Week 29 - 19/3/08 (19.30 UK)
Empoli 0 - 0 Juventus
Stadio Castellani
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Juventus were desperately disappointing in this uneventful encounter with the relegation strugglers.
The Bianconeri were boosted in confidence by two wins on the trot that consolidated third place, but Empoli were in freefall after four consecutive losses that left them in penultimate spot. With Nicola Pozzi out for the season and Luca Saudati starting a three-match ban, choices were limited upfront. It was a special occasion for Sebastian Giovinco, Rej Volpato and Claudio Marchisio, all owned by Juve and preparing for a summer return to base, but surprisingly Giovinco was only on the bench.
Vincenzo Iaquinta ran on to a Jonathan Zebina assist but was cut short by Davide Bassi, but Cristian Molinaro risked a second booking just 17 minutes in for his challenge on Abate.
Volpato managed to beat Gianluigi Buffon, but he was clearly in an offside position.
When Molinaro risked another yellow card, Claudio Ranieri decided it was best to remove him before his luck ran out, sending on Zdenek Grygera. Bassi smothered an Alessandro Del Piero header, but Moro's volley was charged down at the other end.
Lino Marzoratti required a well-timed challenge to cut short a Del Piero counter-attack.
The Bianconeri were uninspired and Bassi captured a Del Piero free kick and Iaquinta had penalty appeals waved away.
Empoli also had a chance when Abate drilled wide of the near post from the edge of the area.
Juve introduced David Trezeguet for a trident attack, but it made little difference in this dour match. Giovinco faced the club that owns his contract and had a good chance charged down for a corner by Giorgio Chiellini.
Del Piero's volley flashed past the upright, but there was precious little else to report.
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Empoli: Bassi; Busce', Marzoratti, Piccolo, Antonini; Abate, Moro (Giovinco 77), Musacci (Budel 70), Marchisio; Giacomazzi (Vannucchi 57), Volpato
Juventus: Buffon; Zebina, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro (Grygera 29); Camoranesi (Nedved 82), Nocerino, Tiago (Trezeguet 61), Salihamidzic; Del Piero, Iaquinta
Ref: Rizzoli
www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/sa0708/emp-juv.html