Midfield Magic!!

This was such an important game for Juventus, especially since Milan dropped 2 points against Bologna, this was their chance to go 3 points clear. Before the match, all the hype was surrounding Alessandro Del Piero and Francesco Totti meeting for one last time, and again the media got it wrong as Del Piero came on as a second half substitute and Totti had to watch as his team lose by 4 goals from Artur Vidal, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio.
Juve got off to a magnificent start and were in complete control, and they were allowed to relax a little when Vidal got the first goal within 4 minute and  Martin Stekelenburg had little chance of getting it as Vidal struck it with such power, Vidal then scored again on 8 minutes and this time Stekelenburg did get his fingertips to it but again Vidal hit it with such intent that there was only one place it was heading and that was in the back of the net. The Old Lady got a huge call in their favour, when the Roma keeper came out to stop an on rushing Marchisio. The keeper was within his rights to go for the ball but bad news for him, he brought down the player as well. Although it seemed minimal contact was made yet the referee decided it was dangerous and the red card was show which I believed to be a little harsh as it wasn't an obvious goalscoring opportunity by Marchisio. Pirlo stepped up to take the penalty and hit it into the net on the second time.

After this Roma were playing with just 10 men and made it easier for Juve to dictate the game. Eventual Marchisio got on the scoresheet in the 52nd minute from a nice back heel by Mirku Vucinic, who was involved in all the goals, in one form or another!
This performance showed the best in Juve but also their worst. Juventus had a high intensity about their game a were riding high on confidence, yet some of their behaviour is not becoming of champions. For instance Giorgio Chiellini going down too easily, he doesn't want to get the reputation on being the Italian Drogba!! The next item is in nearly all Italian games, not just Juve, shirt pulling at set pieces. It is getting rather ridiculous and the ref needs to put a stop to it here, because in the Champions League they will not be able to get away with it, as Alessandro Nesta is aware of just how costly it can be! And if Juve have hopes of doing well in Europe, they will have to stamp it out now. Another thing  that bothers me about their game is that even when they're winning they are still seen complaining to the referee about something. This is not only unsportsmanlike of them, but it paints the picture of them being a bunch of babies, and they will lose all credibility if they continue on this path.
Even though on paper it seems like the hard part is done, never should they underestimate the desire for survival. Many of the teams could be a slip up, and Milan will be ready to pounce.

As this is looking more and more likely to be Del Piero's last season, wouldn't it be sweeter if Juve can stay on course to win the Scudetto- FOR ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO!!!