Late Marchisio brace seals historic win

The effect of the ‘twelfth man’ has often been mentioned in connection with Juve’s futuristic stadium and tonight it was more evident than ever. Buoyed on by their adoring public, the Bianconeri put on a show of attacking dominance against defending champions Milan but left it late to break the deadlock. Marchisio’s double was just reward for the unwavering efforts of Conte’s new-look side.
Three changes were made to the team that secured a point in Catania. Bonucci was handed his first start of the season in place of Grosso, while Pepe’s fine second-half performance in Sicily saw the winger recalled to the starting line-up at the expense of Elia. Up front, Vucinic returned from suspension and replaced Matri, with Vidal providing support from deep.

The Rossoneri starting line-up included four former Juventus players: Abbiati, Zambrotta, Nocerino and Ibrahimovic. Allegri gave the Swedish striker his second league start of the season following a successful midweek comeback in the 2-0 win over Viktoria Plzen, which saw him net a penalty and tee up strike partner Cassano for the Rossoneri’s second.

Juventus burst out the traps at a blistering pace, looking to drive forward at every available opportunity and deny Milan any time or space on the ball. The Bianconeri’s first effort arrived in the 15th minute. Marchisio ran at the heart of the Rossoneri rearguard, jinked past his marker but sent a low strike wide of Abbiati’s right-hand post.

The next chance fell to Andrea Pirlo five minutes later. The midfielder, facing his former side for the first time since his summer move, strode forward and hit a low strike that Abbiati gathered with ease. Shortly afterwards the Italian international sent in a venomous free-kick which was punched clear by the goalkeeper.

All the signs were there though as the Bianconeri attacked in numbers, with Conte’s pressing tactics coming to the fore as his men pinned their opponents back for the majority of the first-half. Vucinic, a pillar of strength in attack, came closest to finding a way through and was unlucky to see his delicate attempt cannon agonisingly off the underside of the bar.

The break merely served as a breather for a rampant Juventus outfit who began the second period with the same vigour displayed in the first. Bonucci almost had the fans on their feet two minutes following the restart but failed to make a strong connection with Pirlo’s lofted centre and Abbiati tipped over.

Despite the Bianconeri being in the ascendancy, Milan almost equalised shortly afterwards with their only meaningful chance of the game. Cassano chipped in an inviting cross which was diverted goalwards by Boateng. Buffon was alert, however, sprawling to his right to turn the ball away for a corner.

Backed by their vociferous public, Juventus continued to surge forward. Conte’s men looked in great shape, first to every ball and strong in every challenge. Marchisio was a bright spark in midfield, Pepe provided industry on the flanks and Vidal was an endless bundle of energy, having several attempts on goal in the search for breakthrough.

It seemed that the misfortune which dogged Juventus in their previous home encounter against Bologna had come back to haunt them. But with three minutes remaining, Marchisio burst forward, played a one-two with Vucinic and tucked a close-range effort past Abbiati to send the fans into ecstasy.

And it got even better. Boateng was given his marching orders for two bookable offences and the Bianconeri were cruising. Fans cheered every pass as Juventus Stadium bathed in a carnival atmosphere. With just seconds left on the clock, up popped the ‘Little Prince’ to crown a momentous victory, crashing in a volley from distance which squirmed through Abbiati’s legs and rolled over the line.



JUVENTUS 2-0 MILAN

GOALS: Marchisio 87, Marchisio 93



JUVENTUS
Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Pirlo; Krasic (Giaccherini 54), Marchisio, Vidal (Pazienza 94), Pepe; Vucinic (Matri 87).
Substitutes not used: Storari, Grosso, Elia, Del Piero, Matri.
Manager: Conte

MILAN
Abbiati; Bonera, Nesta (Antonini 71), Thiago Silva, Zambrotta; Nocerino (Ambrosini 83), Van Bommel, Seedorf; K.P. Boateng; Ibrahimovic, Cassano (Emanuelson 61).
Substitutes not used: Amelia, Di Sciglio, Aquilani, Inzaghi.
Manager: Allegri

REFEREE: Rizzoli
ASSISTANTS: Niccolai, Copelli
FOURTH OFFICIAL: Tagliavento

BOOKINGS: K. P. Boateng 39, Nesta 52, Pirlo 63, K. P. Boateng 88
SENT OFF: K. P. Boateng 88

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