Detained By Genoa, Juventus Throws Opportunities To The Top

Juventus were only able to draw 1-1 against Genoa. (X/@juventusfc)

JAKARTA - Juventus wasted a chance to win the top spot in the Italian Serie A standings after drawing 1-1 against Genoa at Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Saturday, December 16 in the morning WIB.

Juve failed to extend their winning record against Genoa. Superior first, Juve even lost two points because they were only able to draw.

The result thwarted Juve's attempt to carry out a coup. Meanwhile, Genoa helped Inter Milan defend the standings throne. The reason is, the Bianconeri only pocketed 37 points. This makes them still one point adrift of Inter.

Inter have the opportunity to stay away from Juve if they win over Lazio. Only this became a difficult match because Lazio played at home at the Stadio Olimpico, Monday, December 18 in the morning WIB.

Meanwhile, Genoa itself is still at the bottom of the standings. They are ranked 16th with 16 points.

Genoa is only four points ahead of Emppoli who is in the highest position of the three teams in the relegation zone. This is what makes Genoa have to fight hard to survive in the highest caste league.

In that match, Juve really had a hard time facing Genoa. The match itself went slow because there were no significant attacks from both teams.

But slowly, Juve began to press Genoa's defense. The hosts also tried to keep up even though Juve finally took the lead with a goal from the penalty spot in the 28th minute.

The penalty was given after Federico Chiesa was brought down by goalkeeper Josep Martinez. The referee immediately pointed to the spot. Chiesa finished the penalty.

Winning 1-0 made Juve more aggressive in putting pressure on it. It's just that no goals occurred so that the score lasted until the end of the first half.

Entering the second half, Genoa played at high speed. As a result, only three minutes later, the hosts had managed to equalize the score.

Genoa's goal was produced by Albert Gudmundsson through a neat attack. Their efforts also led to a goal that changed the score to 1-1.

Juve tried to add goals through intensive attacks. But their efforts always failed. Bremer defenders actually had a good chance when they received a corner in the last minute.

Unfortunately, a shot from close range Breme was saved brilliantly by Martinez. The draw did not change until the end of the match.

Although disappointed with Juve's final result, coach Massimiliano Allegri admitted that it was not easy to beat Genoa at home.

"They have a good record because 67% of Genoa's goals were always created in the first 45 minutes. They also showed a team running a lot and pressing the opposing team," Allegri said in response to the match.

"Genoa always makes it difficult for anyone. You have to take the right approach to confront them," he said.