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First Team Match Report: SPEZIA-JUVE

Written by: Lannie Deng

References: Official Juventus Website & Twitter, Sofascore

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OVERVIEW

The first win for Juventus in Serie A this season, Max Allegri's side finally breaks the winless streak. Despite conceding two after Kean's opener, Juve pull off a comeback with goals from Chiesa and De Ligt in the second half. 

STARTING XI

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MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Juve started off shaky, creating a few chances but nothing too threatening for Spezia. However, the Bianconeri take the lead in the 28th minute. Bonucci passes long toward the box to find Rabiot, who then heads it to Kean. The youngster takes a touch, readjusts, and slots it cleanly into the bottom left corner. Goal, Juventus 1-0 up! This is Kean's first goal since his return to the club. 

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Yet just five minutes later, Spezia equalize. Szczesny makes a save to diffuse the first attack, but the opponent retains possession. Their powerful second attempt does find the back of the net and it's 1-1. The scoreline is maintained until the half-time whistle, Juve are back to square one. 

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At halftime, Alex Sandro and Locatelli go on for De Sciglio and Bentancur, respectively. The second half started off difficult, as Spezia capitalize on Juve's lackluster defending and takes the lead in the 49th minute. Soon, Morata is subbed on for Kean as well. 

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Chiesa to the rescue! As things were looking bleak on the pitch, certain players refused to give up. Chiesa with his sheer dedication and strength forces his way through a messy cluster inside the box and scores. 2-2, Juve equalize and see hope in the 66th minute!

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Five minutes later, Juve complete the comeback. Dybala takes the corner, and the ball eventually bounces toward De Ligt. The defender takes a volley and goes past Spezia's goalkeeper. Juventus from 1-2 down to 3-2 up, back in the lead! 

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The next twenty minutes was not easy, with Juve finding a few chances but also exposing themselves to give Spezia some opportunities. Szczesny makes a great save toward the end of the match, the team holds on, and Juve get the three points. Full time, 3-2 Juve!

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JUVENTINA'S THOUGHTS

What an emotional match. Despite the team playing well in the first half last weekend against AC Milan, Juve crumbled in the second half and gave away the win. This week it was once again the Bianconeri to take the lead but yet again the team conceded. It was difficult to watch as Juve allowed Spezia to take the lead, but Chiesa and De Ligt's goals were enough to finally give Juve their first league win of the season. A lot of improvements to be made, but a win is a win and there are some positives to be seen. Their first-half performance against AC Milan is proof that quality exists within this team, however, it is up to Allegri to make sure that quality is seen week in and week out. For today's match against Spezia, there were a few players who truly made the difference. For one, Chiesa's dedication and desire to win were visible throughout his minutes played on the field. His goal, which he fought for himself, kept Juve alive. De Ligt's winning goal has also proved vital to the team as well as Locatelli adding depth into the Juve midfield. Dybala had a good performance, creating many chances and taking a few shots on goal. Players such as Morata, Alex Sandro, Bernardeschi, Rabiot, and Kean have also shown promise under Allegri's management. All in all, the individual players have done well but still struggle to remain consistent and solid as they once were seasons ago. Let's hope that this is the start of the team going back to their winning ways, Forza Juve, Fino alla Fine. 

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