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OPINION: Juventus’ winning mentality made the difference in Napoli showdown
The only two clear-cut chances were a miraculous interception by Leonardo Bonucci and a left-footed shot by Paulo Dybala that was too high.
We can say the tactical battle between Allegri and Sarri was impressive, but one really expects something else when he’s looking for emotions. Both teams did not show the fantasy that Maurio Sarri had mentioned before the game, but what we’ve learned from yesterday’s clash is that if a match is balanced, Juventus is going to win it! Especially it’s a heavy one.
Think about the last couple of Turin derbies played at the J Stadium. The Old Lady grasped as much victories thanks to the last-minute goals by Andrea Pirlo [last term] and Juan Cuadrado [this season]. The same happened yesterday against Napoli. Is it just a coincidence? No, it is Juventus’ winning mentality that makes the difference. It comes out when they need it the most, when a game can decide a whole season.
What we’re talking about is not something that Allegri or Conte brought to the club. It is something that the club have already. It belongs to their history. Simone Zaza’s goal was heavy and important, but when it comes to analyze the game, we have to admit that it was a very balanced one. It was supposed to be a classic 0-0 match, until Zaza and Juventus’ winning mentality came out.
Gigi Buffon, not only the best goalkeeper of all time, but also a serious and honest observer admitted that Napoli ‘did not deserve to lose’.
The captain's honesty must have came as a huge surprise for all those commentators who are trying in vain to explain us that Juventus deserved to win because they wanted it more. But there is another truth, as Buffon says: you can also win games without playing better than your opponents. It is not a crime, on the contrary, sometimes, it is a merit.
Translated by Lorenzo Bettoni
