Post by Salem6 on May 11, 2008 18:48:55 GMT
Serie A Week 37 - 11/5/08 (14.00 UK)
Juventus 1 - 1 Catania
Martinez 48 (C), Del Piero 89 (J)
Stadio Olimpico
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Alessandro Del Piero netted a last-gasp equaliser to keep himself in the Capocannoniere race and complicates Catania's position.
The pressure was all on the Sicilians, who were fighting to stay out of the relegation zone and feared tiredness from Thursday's Coppa Italia semi-final exit to Roma. Juve only needed to worry about Alex Del Piero and David Trezeguet's duel for the Capocannoniere crown and making up for last week's 1-0 loss at Siena. Cristiano Zanetti and Vincenzo Iaquinta were injured with Cristian Molinaro on a ban.
Catania had just one win in Turin back in April 1963, losing all five consequent visits.
Del Piero's right-foot strike skimmed the frame of the goal early on and also tested goalkeeper Bizzarri with a solo effort.
Momo Sissoko drilled over, but Del Piero again went close after combining with Trezeguet.
On 40 minutes Gigi Buffon had his palms stung by a rocket of a Vargas free kick.
It was Catania who took the lead in chaotic circumstances when Jorge Martinez managed to bundle a corner kick over the line.
The Bianconeri fought back, although Del Piero was unable to make the most of Raffaele Palladino's assist.
Trezeguet really should have beaten Bizzarri, but hesitated when one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The Frenchman was on target later on, but Bizzarri performed a crucial save.
Del Piero finally made his mark in the final minute. He had several more chances throughout the game, but flung himself at a Giorgio Chiellini cross to volley in from five yards, reacting far quicker than the Catania defenders.
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Juventus: Buffon; Zebina, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Grygera; Camoranesi, Sissoko, Tiago (Nocerino 66), Palladino (Nedved 72); Del Piero (Pasquato 90), Trezeguet
Catania: Bizzarri; Silvestri, Terlizzi, Stovini, Sabato; Baiocco, Biagianti, Tedesco (Edusei 69), Vargas (Izco 61); Martinez (Silvestre 87), Mascara
Ref: Trefoloni
www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/sa0708/juv-cat.html