15 May 2022
Juventus-Lazio, the final home game of the season. A match that concentrates the focus of attention on two players in particular, two central defenders that have been through thick and thin together, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci.
Bonucci rose to the occasion in the first meeting between these two sides after the international break in November. A crucial match at the Olimpico in Rome saw Leo step up to the spot and dispatch two penalties in the net, one on either side of the half time whistle, to collect three points that hauled the Bianconeri level with Lazio on 21 points, still four points short of then fourth placed Atalanta. Roma and Fiorentina also won that same weekend to split four teams by just one point.
The two sides meet again, but the situation regarding the standings have flipped in Juve's favour. The Bianconeri have guaranteed themselves Champions League football next season, while Lazio hold a three-point advantage heading into Matchday 37 over Euro rivals, Roma, Fiorentina and Atalanta.
As for Chiellini, following the Italian Cup final in midweek he declared that this will be his last season on the field for Juventus. Thus, Juve's very own King George brings a glorious career at the Bianconeri to a close in front of his home fans.
For all the fans that have always been by my side, I am waiting for you on Monday evening at the Stadium or at home to celebrate all these years of Bianconeri passion with me. Giorgio Chiellini
No doubt, Chiellini would have loved to complete his playing career in front of his home fans in a gigantic tussle with one of his arch-enemies at club level over these years, Ciro Immobile. However, the Lazio hitman missed the final training session before the team departed for Turin with an ankle injury, and is in serious doubt for tomorrow's match.
On the injury front, Juventus will be without Brazilian pair Arthur and Danilo, and Denis Zakaria. The shortage of options in midfield has resulted in Massimiliano Allegri's confirmation that teenager Fabio Miretti will play his third consecutive match from kick off in Serie A.
Lazio have their Europa League fate in their own hands, knowing that four points from the final two matchdays will edge them through. Maurizio Sarri's team are enjoying a positive period of form, with four wins from their last seven matches, and just one loss, in stoppage time to league leaders Milan.
That said, the Biancocelesti have lost 12 of their last 15 meetings with Juve.
For more on Lazio's current form, click here.
For Juventus, it is a matter of converting the anger and disappointment generated by the defeat in the Italian Cup Final into positive energy, exactly as expressed by Dusan Vlahovic the day after the loss to Inter.
The same concept that Massimiliano Allegri captured during the press conference. On what will be a night of celebration for Chiellini as he bows out of the Italian game, as well as the last chance to salute Paulo Dybala in a Juventus shirt, the coach was adamant that despite the end-of-season atmosphere, Juventus would give their all in these final matches of the campaign, to finish on a high note, and to best build the foundations for next season.
