Napoli, Koulibaly Beat Juventus to Open Up Serie A Championship Race

Napoli, Koulibaly Beat Juventus to Open Up Serie A Championship Race

A week ago, Juventus had a 6 point lead and looked like a comfortable Serie A winner again. But dropped points at Crotone while Napoli managed a massive comeback of their own resulted in a massive match at Juve’s stadium which surprisingly, ended in a 1-0 win for the visitors from the South thanks to a 90th minute header by Kalidou Koulibaly.

What does the win mean? With four matches to go in the Serie A season, Juventus hold a one point lead over Napoli (85-84), and a much more difficult schedule. Juventus have to play Inter (away), Bologna, Roma (away) and Hellas Verona. Meanwhile, Napoli play Fiorentina (away), Torino, Sampdoria (away) and Crotone. 

Juventus played for the draw most of the match it seemed, and Massimiliano Allegri removed both Paulo Dybala and Douglas Costa in the second half, leaving Juventus with very little creativity on the pitch. With Miralem Pjanic playing injured and being far less effective than usual, the team put in one of its worst performances of the season. In Serie A moneytime, it’s quite rare to see Juventus outplayed like this, facing a side that came fantastically prepared, pressed the entire pitch and was more dangerous from start to finish.

Perhaps it was Sarri finally winning a tactical battle against Allegri, or maybe still the effects of the tragic loss in Madrid are affecting Juventus. But after 6 straight championships, it looks like the title going to someone else isn’t such a far fetched possibility. 

Koulibaly


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