A good morale boost before the crucial Champions League match against Porto, Juve won 3-1 at home against Lazio after conceding a goal first. Rabiot’s rocket strike and Morata’s brace bring the Bianconeri back to winning in a great overall performance.
STARTING XI
4-4-2
#1- Szczesny
#16- Cuadrado
#13- Danilo
#28- Demiral
#12- Alex Sandro
#22- Chiesa
#25- Rabiot
#8- Ramsey
#33- Bernardeschi
#44- Kulusevski
#9- Morata
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Lazio started off strong, threatening the Juve goal with a few good chances at the beginning of the match. They pressed high and were eventually able to take the lead at the 14th minute when Kulusevski makes a misplaced pass. Correa goes 1 on 1 with Demiral and is able to find a way to score.
The Bianconeri were able to settle down, slowly taking over the pacing of the match. Before halftime, Rabiot scores a stunner to bring the team level. Morata feeds a pass on the left to the Frenchman, and the latter sends the ball into the top of the in a tight angle. Beautiful goal, 1-1!
Chiesa begins the second half with a dazzling attempt, dribbling around in Lazio’s danger area and aiming for the bottom left corner. Though this particular shot was saved, he soon makes his mark with an assist to Morata. Chiesa perfectly times his run to take possession from Lazio, then opens the ball out for Morata who smashes it in-goal. Juve are 2-1 up!
Just two minutes later, Juve is awarded a penalty when Ramsey is brought down inside the box. Morata makes it a brace with a collected kick into the bottom right corner, sending the opponent goalkeeper in the wrong way.
Soon after in the 69th minute, Morata, Cuadrado, and Ramsey were subbed off for Ronaldo, Arthur and McKennie. Ronaldo was able to rest for most of the match to be fully fit for the match against Porto, and Arthur was also able to return with a warm-up on the pitch after his recent injury. Juve wins 3-1, Forza Juve!
AFTER-MATCH THOUGHTS
Pirlo:
“We got off to a bad start by making a mistake with a backpass but we didn't let our heads drop. We upped the tempo and fought back and that's the most important thing… It's never easy to come back after going behind, especially against a team like Lazio, but I was really happy with our reaction tonight.”
Morata:
“There was anger in our celebrations because people are waiting for us to trip up and it was important to show everyone that we're in the mix. We have to roll up our sleeves and stick at it. As long as there are points available we'll keep fighting till the end…Today, besides the win and the three points, the real positive was the way we responded after our initial mistake – it was the response of great team that wants to win. Now we must focus on Tuesday when everything is on the line.”
JUVENTINA'S THOUGHTS
This was the first real enjoyable match to watch in a while, where players seemed sharp and in control of the pacing of the game. Even without Ronaldo on the pitch, Juve were able to secure the win, thanks to Morata and Chiesa’s outstanding performances. Many key players are back from injury, which is a great sign ahead of the must-win game in two days against Porto. A comeback is definitely possible since it would take only a 1-0 scoreline to advance due to the away-goal rule. With key players such as Arthur, Cuadrado, Bonucci, De Ligt, and Chiellini expected to be back against Porto, we must hope for the best. In terms of this match, I saw the desire from the team to win. As Morata mentioned, there was anger in their celebrations and this type of fiery passion is something we need in every single player on the pitch. Chiesa is on fire, in my opinion, he is the player that is in top shape at the moment.
MOTM: Morata
