So here we have another match between teams in Serie A that are trying to sort out the European spots for next year. Lazio just clinging above Udinese and Roma, Juventus just behind them.
Despite the stakes, it turned out to be a little bit of a pedestrian affair. The first half was very tactical and you got the sense the teams were feeling each other out. More chances arose in the second half, but only one was taken.
Lazio looked the stronger of the teams right off. They took the pressure to Juve, but they just sat and soaked it up really. Hernanes had a good look in the second minute, but hit the shot just wide. Brocchi had a rather nice look off of a corner in the 26th, but headed it right at the keeper. Then in the 33rd, Floccari looked likely to score, but again the shot was saved. Bending, not breaking, for Juve.
Things started to open just a little as we approached the half. Matri finally had an attempt on goal for Juventus in the 36th, only have it saved. Felipe Melo had a gorgeous look in the 41st, but his poor finish went way over the bar and we went to the half at 0-0.
The 2nd half looked a lot better. Juventus came out and attacked a little. In the 49th, Del Piero put a great shot just high, and it looked like we had a match on our hands. Lazio almost took the lead in the 53rd, when Brocchi put a shot JUST high over the bar. A great chance.
The teams traded half chances until we got to the 81st minute, when Juve got what looked like a really promising break. However, Ledesma brought Melo down around midfield and earned his second yellow card and put Lazio down to ten men. At this point, Juve cranked up the heat. It paid off in the 87th minute when Pepe slotted one home to give Juventus the 0-1 win.
The biggest effect from this game is on Lazio failing to really cement 4th spot. That could be a really big deal with Udinese coming up for them. For Juve, Europa league football is still in their sights after they picked up a crucial three points in the Capital.
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