SERIE A – Juventus Turin misses a great opportunity by conceding a draw against Naples (1-1)

Juventus Turin is doing well. Badly embarked against Naples for its first important meeting of 2022, the Old Lady had a burst of pride to share the points at home (1-1). Federico Chiesa responded to Dries Mertens’ opener to give his side a seventh straight game without defeat in all competitions. However, it is not certain that this result will really suit Juve, who remain five lengths behind Napoli in the standings. The men of Luciano Spalletti, who ended the year 2021 badly, will be able to retain the encouraging content.

The Bianconeri were probably still on vacation. Because it is an understatement to say that they did not show a very shining face during the face-to-face with Naples, a club which needed to be reassured after a complicated month of December. Led by a solid and diligent midfielder, especially in the recovery, the Neapolitans technically dominated the players of the Old Lady. Well present on the second balls, they ended up being rewarded for their stranglehold when Dries Mertens sent a powerful and crossed strike at the back of the net (0-1, 23rd). Paradoxically, Juve had started the match better but, apart from a header out of frame from Weston McKennie, forgotten upon receiving a corner (5th), she purred a lot before the break.

Half an opportunity was enough for Chiesa

It must be said that, offensively, nothing was easy for Juventus Turin, between an Alvaro Morata too little available and a Federico Bernardeschi sorely lacking in altruism. Fortunately for Massimiliano Allegri, the other Federico donned his savior costume with half the chance. After a McKennie cross pushed back on him, Chiesa equalized with a slightly deflected shot (1-1, 54 ‘). After this goal, the clubs exchanged courtesies without succeeding in finding once again the fault, giving birth to a spectacle both dull and choppy despite the names present on the lawn of Juventus Stadium.

If Napoli can say that getting a point in the lair of the Bianconeri is far from a bad result, Juve remain stuck in fifth place and are only three points ahead of Fiorentina, who have one game. in less. On arrival, the draw is especially the happiness of the two Milanese clubs, which are taking off at the top of the standings. For the moment, Inter have a slight advantage over their neighbor with their extra point and a day to catch up.