14 September 2023
Out latest edition of Iconic Goals sees the series make a comeback after the international break, with Juventus getting back to Serie A action against Lazio on Saturday, September 16, at 15:00 CEST. Maurizio Sarri will return to Turin, taking his Lazio with him fresh off the back of a win over Napoli.
The Bianconeri have the upper hand over the Biancocelesti historically. In the 79 Serie A meetings between the two, Juventus have won 51 of those, and the last five games have ended in four Juventus wins and a draw. The last time Juventus lost at home to Lazio was in 2017, 2-1 on that occasion.
In Continassa, there is already an atmosphere that tells you a big match is coming.
To set the scene, we're going back to April 12, 2012.
An excellent first half from Juventus: Pepe's opener, but Mauri had other ideas
It was the 2011/12 season - Antonio Conte's first on the bench. While the story of that journey is known by all, there are sometimes key steps that are overlooked, despite their importance in defining an excellent campaign.
With a few games to go, Juventus were locked in a title race with AC Milan, and it was close. The Bianconeri had retaken top spot after four straight wins and the Rossoneri's slip-up against Fiorentina, and Juventus needed to beat Lazio at home in midweek. Milan had already won at Chievo, meaning that only three points would put Conte's Bianconeri back on top.
The Bianconeri came out flying. Fabio Quagliarella had the first chance, but didn't take advantage of it. Simone Pepe did open the scoring for Juventus with a fine finish just before the half-hour mark. Although Juventus kept pushing and had chances again through Quagliarella and Arturo Vidal, but Federico Marchetti was in fine form on the day.
Towards the end of the first half, Lionel Scaloni put in a cross that Stefano Mauri headed home, via the woodwork. It was a big blow for Andrea Pirlo and co., but we went in 1-1 at the break.
In Alex's hands: A stunning free-kick in the 82nd minute
Overcoming the setback, Juventus bounced back as before and went in search of a goal that would put them back in front. As the minutes passed, concern might have been growing for Conte's men. He made some changes, bringing on Mirko Vucinic and Alessandro Del Piero for Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri.
With eight minutes to play, the turning point came. Juventus had a free-kick in a central position from 25 yards, with both Del Piero and Pirlo standing over the ball. The wall was too close, which Ale pointed out, and he then sprung a surprise shot that was perfectly precise and found the corner. Marchetti didn't even move, and the Allianz erupted.
It was a goal worthy of three points, and one that lives on in our memories even more than a decade later.
