Lazio v Juventus - September 12th

Another catch-up game, finally finished watching this game this morning.

LAZIO v JUVENTUS

Lazio: Muslera - Siviglia, Diakite, Kolarov, Lichtsteiner - Baronio, Mauri, Dabo, Matuzalem - Foggia, Cruz
Juventus: Buffon - Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Grosso, Caceres - Melo, Marchisio, Camoranesi, Diego - Amauri, Trezeguet

If any game deserved the classic game of two halves line, it was this one, first half I thought it was a really good game, attacking and defending with quality from both sides, for the home side Kolarov was very impressive, bombing down the left hand side more like a winger than a left back, Foggia and Cruz didn't link up very well at all, Cruz looking very much like a lone striker.

For Juve, Amauri and Trezeguet played well in the first half, Amauri running the channels, David the predator, Diego had a very quiet first half, and disaster struck before halftime when he had to be stretchered off, with young talent Giovinco replacing him.


In the second half, the match kinda flipped, Kolarov failed to get up the left as much, but it was Lichtsteiner on the right who was the most forward of the full backs, Amauri and Trezeguet disappeared, but Foggia came to life trying to get his team back in the game, and young Giovinco was superb replacing Diego always eager to take men on and attack.

Players that really impressed me were Mobido Diakite in the heart of the Lazio defence, although he looks clumsy, he was first to nearly everything, great in the air, showed some skill on the ground, I think Lazio have found a gem here, only young has the strength already, and a great place to learn his trade in Serie A.

After all the criticism I have read about the Felipe Melo transfer to Juve, I though he was excellent, great at breaking up Lazio's play, also so great passing ability was shown, played very well the whole match and looked the part for me in the anchor position of the midfield.

Chiellini and Legrottaglie were very dominant in Juve's defence, snubbing every Lazio attack, I have always thought of Chellini as a liablity, but he changed my mind in this match he looked every part a leader.

One player that disappointed was Grosso, I thought the quality of his crossing was terrible, I struggle now to remember any cross that beat the frist man, or any dangerous cross at all, quite disappointing from the World Cup winner.

Juve opened the scoring on the 72nd minute, Marchisio's cross was blocked and Caceres hit a perfect volley, Muslera had no chance, nice way for Caceres to make his debut.

The second was a lovely break away move from Juve between Giovinco and Amauri, The big brazilians volley was saved and Trezeguet was there to finish.

Some great football was played by both teams, 2-0 in a way flattered Juve, Lazio deserved soemthing for their defensive and midfield play, they didn't do enough upfront for me.
Depending on how long Diego is out for could effect Juve, but that is now 27 games consecutive that they have scored in Serie A, and Giovinco is a adequate replacement and could be his time to shine.

LAZIO 0 JUVENTUS 2

M.O.M - Felipe Melo - Juventus