Juventus captain Danilo concedes returning to Empoli brought back memories of last season’s off the field problems and reveals his very special goal dedication for Gaetano Scirea.
The Bianconeri grabbed a 2-0 victory at the Stadio Castellani this evening, with the deadlock broken by Danilo prodding the ball through a sea of legs on a corner.
Dusan Vlahovic then saw a penalty saved by Etrit Berisha, before Federico Chiesa ran from his own half to seal the 2-0 result.
Juve lost 4-1 at Empoli last season, a match affected by the announcement just minutes before kick-off that they had been docked 10 Serie A points for financial irregularities.
“I cannot say our thoughts didn’t stray back to last season,” Danilo told DAZN.
“That was an ugly defeat, but today we showed hunger and pride, but also good football and tactical organisation, things that can allow us to achieve important results.”
Juve and incredibly Lecce are the only sides keeping up with joint leaders Inter and Milan, as the top four are the only teams still unbeaten after three Serie A rounds.
Despite that, Danilo agrees with coach Max Allegri that the Scudetto is not to be considered a realistic objective for the Bianconeri.
“We know that there are stronger teams in Italy, but we still have hunger and ambition.”
With the departure of Leonardo Bonucci to Union Berlin, Danilo is the Juventus captain this season and he had a very special dedication.
It was 34 years ago today that legendary Juve captain Scirea, who wore the same 6 shirt as Danilo, died in a car crash while scouting for the club in Poland.
“I wanted to dedicate the goal to Scirea and I will give my jersey to his son Riccardo, who is part of the staff. Scirea was too important a figure in the history of Juventus and I feel immense pride to wear this jersey.”
The Juventus social media account later provided the proof he had kept that promise.