Juventus had a chance to get back into the fight for fourth place as they took on Catania, as Lazio and Udinese had both lost earlier in the day.
Alessandro Del Piero returned from injury as Gigi Delneri reverted to his stock formation of this season, the lopsided 4-4-2.
In a supremely pathetic second half display, Juventus conceded twice in the closing moments of the game snatch a draw from the jaws of victory.
The match started brightly for the bianconeri, who played a solid first half and took a deserved, albeit lucky two goal lead – both scored by il Capitano.
The first one was a brilliant penalty kick, which has to be one of the softest awarded in Serie A this season. He didn’t know much about the second one as the ball hit him and went in from a rebound to a brilliant Krasic cross.
There were moments in the first half when the puzzle came together perfectly – two hard working forwards, full backs making overlaps and crossing, midfield dominating and snapping into challenges, and the defence looking capable and executing numerous offside traps.
A comfortable 2-0 lead to take into half-time at home, with the opposition not threatening much (bar a brilliant shot that rattled the crossbar) – things couldn’t have been better for Juventus.
However, it was going to be a different story in the second half. The game was meandering to a finish after Catania seemingly gave up, and Juventus proceeded to waste many opportunities to bury the match.
And then Catania managed to pull one back, thanks to an excellent run and some poor marking – and long time Juventus sufferers (it’s too callous to call them just fans now) had that funny yet familiar feeling that implies a crash is imminent. And thus it happened. Juventus managed to waste a 4 on 1 scoring opportunity, then Catania equalised from a deliciously taken albeit dubiously awarded free kick on the 95th minute.
I will steer clear of blaming the referee for this game – although he was incompetent, we allowed Catania into the game by our lack of application on the pitch.
In all honesty I really cannot comprehend how this team which has many good players is so weak psychologically. There is something wrong about the atmosphere in the club; these black and white wearing impostors are not the Juventus we all know.
The White
1. The old guard played well up to a point – particularly Grosso who showed glimpses of the form which had once made him the best left back of the world.
2. Felipe Melo, as discussed earlier, is the player of the season for his consistent world class displays. The last free kick called against him was shameful.
The Black
1. Same as last week – a big thumb down to the entire team – Vergogna!
2. Oh Milos, what has happened to you? Where is that devastating arrow we all fell in love with in the first half of the season? Mind you, even on his off day he created three clear scoring opportunities – thats the difference between a truly good player like him and a non-footballer like Pepe. I would say Krasic’s problem is as much mental as it is pure physical tiredness – his confidence is shot totally.
3. Delneri reminds me of Hodgson – a decent enough coach but not suited to a big club. Although it is debatable whether at this point Juventus can be considered a big club or not. Today his subs were way off – why pull out ADP who can draw in the fouls and waste time? Why let Pepe inside the stadium? Why not sub a clearly tiring Krasic? Why waste a sub every game, game after game (Motta – Sorensen)?
4. The lopsided 4-4-2 showed its limitations yet again. If only we had bought a left winger…
5. Sorensen showed that for all his talent, he still needs to gain a lot of experience. He needs regular playing time to develop; I think a loan deal next season will do him good.
6. This team needs reinforcements badly, and I am talking genuine world class players who are proven winners.
7. So, Catania first sold us Martinez and then did this. Well done guys. To be honest, I quite enjoy watching them and hopefully they don’t get relegated.
Ratings
I seriously doubt whether anybody deserves a rating after this show. But anyways here they are –
Buffon – 6.5
Motta – 6
Bonucci – 6
Barzagli – 6.5
Grosso – 6.5
Melo – 7
Marchisio – 5
Aquilani – 5
Krasic – 5.5
Del Piero – 8
Matri – 5
Sorensen – 4
Pepe – 0.5
Toni – 5
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