20 September 2023
A tricky away match lies in wait for Juventus in the next round of fixtures, as the Bianconeri travel to Reggio Emilia to take on Sassuolo. It’s a match-up with only a recent history, dating back to the 2013/14 campaign when the neroverdi secured promotion to Serie A for the very first time. There have been 10 matches played at the Mapei Stadium between the two teams in the top-flight, resulting in two victories for the hosts, two draws and six victories for the Bianconeri.
In this instalment of Iconic Goals, we rewind to the 2021/22 season. An inconsistent start to the campaign meant Juventus were left chasing the teams at the summit of the table, yet over the second half of the season, a string of positive results propelled the team towards the Champions League qualifying places.
EARLY DIFFICULTY
The match, which took place on 25 April 2022, saw Sassuolo begin with purpose, with Wojciech Szczesny producing several super saves to deny the hosts the early lead. Yet he could do nothing to stop Giacomo Raspadori’s strike in the 39th minute as the Neroverdi went a goal up. The goal reawakened the dormant spirits of Juventus, who looked to end the half on the up. And that they did, Paulo Dybala producing a lethal left-footed strike which flew into the top corner, leaving the scoreline level at the break.
CLUTCH KEAN
The second half was a complete flip of the script: Juve was in total control, dictating the pace of the game. Alvaro Morata went close to scoring, only for Andrea Consigli to deny his headed effort. Looking for all three points, Coach Allegri decided to make an attacking change, bringing on the ever-lively Moise Kean, who made an almost immediate impact, picking up Mattia De Sciglio’s pass but striking the ball just wide.
With just one minute left on the clock, the Italian forward settles it: receiving the ball at the edge of the box, Kean turned his man before unleashing a fizzing effort on the diagonal, which passes through the keeper’s legs and into the back of the net.
A last-minute winner worthy of this week’s Iconic Goal that secured the 2-1 victory, and an important three points that season.
