Alves the difference in Palermo

24 September 2016

A second goal in as many matches for summer signing Dani Alves earned Juventus a valuable three points in Sicily on Saturday evening, the champions running out 1-0 winners against Palermo at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

The Brazilian’s fortuitous strike moments after the interval, a long-range effort helped into the net by Rosanero defender Edoardo Goldaniga, proved to be the difference in a physical and hard-fought encounter.

After dominating proceedings in the first period, Massimiliano Allegri’s men were forced to defend resolutely towards the end as the home side pushed hard for an equaliser that ultimately was not forthcoming.

Beginning much the better, the visitors fashioned two of their better chances in the opening 10 minutes, top scorer Gonzalo Higuain flashing the first over the bar and slamming the second into a covering defender.

A third opportunity would come midway through the first period as the number nine sprung in behind, took an excellent first touch but could not dig out a shot as goalkeeper Josip Posavec rushed from his line.

Soaking up a spell of home pressure, the champions surged forward again, this time creating the best opening of the half on 33 minutes, the ever-available Higuain setting up Mario Lemina to shoot straight at Posavec after a quick counter attack.

The long-awaited return of Juan Cuadrado, a substitute for the injured Daniele Rugani, was the only other highlight in a physical and scrappy first 45 minutes.

Juventus’ luck would immediately change moments into the second half however, Dani Alves’ hopeful long-range drive deflecting wickedly off the heels of Edoardo Goldaniga to wrong-foot Posavec and hand his side the lead.

One almost become two as the game became stretched, Posavec saving superbly twice from a Mandzukic volley before blocking the Croatian at point-blank range on 69 minutes. The Juve frontman was denied a third time moments later, this time by the linesman’s flag.

That trio of chances triggered a shift in momentum with the home side forcing Allegri’s men back into their own half for what remained of the encounter. For all of the pressure put on Gianluigi Buffon’s goal, the Rosanero failed to carve out a clear-cut sight of goal, the Bianconeri holding on to pick up a valuable away victory.