11 January 2023
Among the many previous meetings between Juventus and Napoli in Naples that of 3 March 2019 is among the most important.
Just like the one that will take place this Friday evening, it is a clash between first and second in the league table, but with the teams in opposite positions to today. Carlo Ancelotti was on the home bench, Massimiliano Allegri on the black and white one.
BEST OF THE BUNCH
It was not just the Serie A standings that made this Napoli-Juventus a challenge at the top.
As the first meeting had demonstrated, which finished 3-1 in favour of the Bianconeri, the two teams represented the best of Italian football.
A gripping match unfolded and Juve were called on to dig deep to claim all three points.
THE TURNING POINT
Just after the halfway point of the first half, the game turned and the two main game changers are depicted in the picture.
Cristiano Ronaldo caused Alex Meret to be sent off by taking advantage of a misplaced back pass from Kevin Malcuit. Up stepped Miralem Pjanic, who delivered a sweet swerving free-kick that nestled in behind substitute goalkeeper David Ospina.
SET PIECE SUPERIORITY
Juve struck again before the break, taking advantage of a well-worked corner kick. Emre Can made the decisive contact.
It could have been the knock-out blow but instead Napoli bounced off the ropes and the match was far from over.
FINO ALLA FINE
The twists and turns of that Napoli-Juventus three seasons ago went all the way until the final kick of the ball.
In the second half the Neapolitan side opened up the contest through Jose Callejon and Wojciech Szcsesny had his work cut out to ensure Juve held on to their lead.
With seven minutes remaining, the Azzurri were awarded a penalty kick. Lorenzo Insigne took it. Although Tek guessed right, the ball struck the post. That was Napoli's last chance. Juve held on for victory.
THE BREAK AWAY
Napoli-Juventus arrived on Matchday 26 of the Serie A season 2018/19.
There was still a lot of football to be played before the end of the tournament, but the win extended Juve's lead to 16 points.
The scudetto was within reach. It was to be the fifth in a row for the team led by Allegri, the eighth in succession by the Bianconeri.
