This rescheduled fixture did not disappointed- it was an edge of your seat game. Napoli had the reputation as the "giant killers" having beaten both of the Milan clubs but still they weren't able to end Juventus' undefeated run. Napoli are not a side to be taken lightly as they were held at Atlanta and wanted blood, and to prove to their critics that they do have what it takes to be taken seriously. Juve had a slice of luck, as the goal machine known as Edison Cavani was not in the side, however, they didn't count on Pandev netting a brace and Hamsik scoring.
This was always going to be a heated game as people from Naples traditionally don't like teams from the north, and the fans were doing their bit to influence the game by whistling and booing every time a Juve player touched the ball. Napoli pushed Juve in the first half and they got a penalty after 15 minutes which Hamsik took and scored only to realise that he had to retake it, he then missed the second one and Juve were let off the hook, but not for long as Marek Hamsik who felt a huge injustice was done, scored the opener. Juventus went into the break leading by two goals, now the old Juve would have panicked and lost their heads, but this team came out with a fighting spirit that reminded me of the 2002/03 squad.
Alessandro Matri can finally get rid of the chip on his shoulder as he surpassed Claudio Marchisio, by scoring on the 48th minute. But even with 60% possession, Juve looked as though they might lose their record of being unbeaten as Pandev restored Napoli's 2 goal cushion following some errors from the defence, most notable Leonardo Bonucci, who looked rather "out of sorts" and may be on his way out as Juve have conceded more goal then they have scored, sooner or later something will have to be done about this because it could lead to their undoing.
Through sheer determination and great teamwork they managed a draw but at what cost? Juve will be without Andrea Pirlo due to a pile up of yellow cards, they were without Marchisio for the same reason. During this game The Old Lady racked up 5 yellow cards which means Bonucci, Vidal, Chiellini and Pepe are just 1 card away from a suspension. They have to keep their emotions in check because these unnecessary cards build up!
The player that impressed me the most was perhaps Stephen Lichtsteiner, towards the end of the game he looked as though he was struggling to breath. It came as no surprise as he ram himself into the ground. His running knew no bounds and it was encouraging to see, I just hope Juventus don't run out of steam, because the Christmas break is coming up and this is usual followed by a dip in form by Juve.
This was always going to be a heated game as people from Naples traditionally don't like teams from the north, and the fans were doing their bit to influence the game by whistling and booing every time a Juve player touched the ball. Napoli pushed Juve in the first half and they got a penalty after 15 minutes which Hamsik took and scored only to realise that he had to retake it, he then missed the second one and Juve were let off the hook, but not for long as Marek Hamsik who felt a huge injustice was done, scored the opener. Juventus went into the break leading by two goals, now the old Juve would have panicked and lost their heads, but this team came out with a fighting spirit that reminded me of the 2002/03 squad.
Alessandro Matri can finally get rid of the chip on his shoulder as he surpassed Claudio Marchisio, by scoring on the 48th minute. But even with 60% possession, Juve looked as though they might lose their record of being unbeaten as Pandev restored Napoli's 2 goal cushion following some errors from the defence, most notable Leonardo Bonucci, who looked rather "out of sorts" and may be on his way out as Juve have conceded more goal then they have scored, sooner or later something will have to be done about this because it could lead to their undoing.
Through sheer determination and great teamwork they managed a draw but at what cost? Juve will be without Andrea Pirlo due to a pile up of yellow cards, they were without Marchisio for the same reason. During this game The Old Lady racked up 5 yellow cards which means Bonucci, Vidal, Chiellini and Pepe are just 1 card away from a suspension. They have to keep their emotions in check because these unnecessary cards build up!
The player that impressed me the most was perhaps Stephen Lichtsteiner, towards the end of the game he looked as though he was struggling to breath. It came as no surprise as he ram himself into the ground. His running knew no bounds and it was encouraging to see, I just hope Juventus don't run out of steam, because the Christmas break is coming up and this is usual followed by a dip in form by Juve.
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