Azzurri suffer defeat at Allianz Stadium
Napoli suffered a 2-0 defeat against Juventus at Allianz Stadium. The match was very dynamic and balanced for the first sixty minutes, with major chances and great plays on both sides. Then in the 70th minute, Kerim Alajbegovic scored an impressive goal with a left-footed diagonal finish, slotted into the far corner. Just a few minutes later, Napoli were reduced to 10 men as Luca Marianucci received a second yellow card. In the 87th minute, Juventus scored their second goal through Jeremie Boga, who found the back of the net with a curled right-footed strike. The match ended in a 2-0 win for Juventus.
Marco Landucci had this to say about the game:
“We performed badly in the second half and Juventus deserved to win. When you lose, you just have to recognise your opponent’s merits and not look for any excuses.
“We were penalised by our injuries, but that’s no excuse. Football today, with many matches every week, comes with injuries in every team, so instead of complaining we just need to get down to work.
“After Juventus scored their first goal, we should’ve pressed high instead of sitting deep. Alajbegovic took an amazing shot and there was little we could’ve done, but we should’ve pressed him.
“[Kevin] De Bruyne had an ankle problem and [Giovanni] Di Lorenzo was not in top form either. But again, we mustn’t look for excuses. We shouldn’t have conceded that goal and instead we did.”
“We should’ve played better in the second half. Unfortunately, we made some mistakes and we paid dearly. Congratulations to Juventus on their well-deserved victory.”
Giovanni Di Lorenzo also reflected on the match:
“I had to be subbed off because of a muscular problem. It was a real shame because this game really meant a lot to me.
“We did well in the first half. We had a chance to score with [Lorenzo] Lucca’s header, but then in the second half we lost momentum.
“It hasn’t been a very good period for us. We’re lacking continuity, but we must remain united, work hard and climb the table.
“Right now we’re also penalised by our injuries, but we must all step up our game. We are aware of where we stand, but the team will do everything it can to once again be a top-level team.”
JUVENTUS 2-0 NAPOLI (HT: 0-0)
Scorers: Alajbegovic 70, Boga 87
JUVENTUS: Vicario; Kalulu, Bremer, Lucumi (Kelly 72), Cabal (Cambiasso 83), Douglas Luiz, Koopmeiners, McKennie (Gatti 46), Alajbegovic (Boga 72), Woltemade, Kolo Muani (Zhegrova 59).
Coach: Spalletti.
NAPOLI: Meret; Di Lorenzo (Rrahmani 46), Marianucci, Rafa Marin, Olivera (Beukema 79), Anguissa (Giovane 79), De Bruyne (Gilmour 46), McTominay; Politano (Vergara 61), Lang, Lucca.
Coach: Allegri (Landucci on the touchline)
Referee: Sozza
Booked: Douglas Luiz, Lucumi, Rafa Marin.
Sent off: Marianucci 74 for double booking.
