Alvaro Morata’s early goal after Spezia gave it away proved enough for Juventus to scrape a far from convincing victory, but one that keeps them in the Scudetto race.
The Bianconeri were missing nine players going into this game, as Paulo Dybala suffered a relapse, joining Sandro, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Mattia De Sciglio, Weston McKennie, Denis Zakaria, Federico Chiesa and Kaio Jorge in the stands, but Daniele Rugani and Federico Bernardeschi returned. Spezia had Kelvin Amian and Jakub Kiwior suspended, with Jacopo Sala, Leo Sena and Ebrima Colley injured, but Rey Manaj returned from his ban.
Serie A Liveblog: Super Sunday including Juventus-Spezia, Napoli-Milan
Juan Cuadrado laid it off for Arthur, whose shot was accidentally charged down by teammate Manuel Locatelli.
Juve broke through when Ivan Provedel’s poor clearance was intercepted, they moved it from right to left with Dusan Vlahovic and Locatelli until Alvaro Morata swept in with the inside of the right boot from 12 yards. It was the Spaniard’s first Serie A goal since December.
Cuadrado almost doubled their lead, as he intercepted a pass in midfield and completed the give-and-go with Arthur, his attempt to pass it into the near bottom corner denied by Provedel at full stretch.
Vlahovic was twice just unable to get on the end of intriguing Locatelli passes, but Spezia started the second half more aggressive and had a great chance with Emmanuel Gyasi’s free header into the arms of Wojciech Szczesny.
The goalkeeper also smothered a long-range Simone Bastoni snapshot and Federico Bernardeschi was booked on his comeback, meaning he’ll be suspended against Sampdoria.
Spezia continued to have the better of the second half, Kevin Agudelo running onto a Viktor Kovalenko pass into the box down the left, forcing Szczesny to rush off his line and use his body to parry the finish.
Morata couldn’t get on the end of a Cuadrado cross flashed across the six-yard box in stoppages and Agudelo wasted a good opportunity with a scuffed finish.
Juventus 1-0 Spezia
Morata 21 (J)
Second half belongs to Spezia. This Juventus is the most disgusting version I’ve ever watch. Surely Vlahovic would start to realize what kind of team he currently in. Juventus is really disgusting in this match.
Another win for Susy to write about. I can feel her pain.