14 February 2016
First the seniors, now the juniors.
Just hours after the dust had settled on Juventus’ last-gasp 1-0 win over Napoli on Saturday night, it was the turn of Fabio Grosso’s Primavera side to demonstrate their own title credentials with a resounding 3-0 victory against Pro Vercelli in Vinovo this morning to go seven points clear at the top of the table.
With other results going their way after defeats for all three of Juve’s primary title challengers Fiorentina, Sassuolo and Virtus Entella, Grosso’s young charges were presented with a fantastic opportunity to open up a sizeable advantage at the league’s summit, and it was one that they seized with both hands.
With recent senior debutee Andrea Favilli returning to lead the line alongside Nicolo Pozzebon, the Bianconeri would have to wait until the 40th minute to open the scoring in a keenly contested opening period, the former tapping home after excellent work from the impressive Roman Macek.
The Treviso-born forward would have his second of the day and 11th of the season moments after the interval, finishing neatly once more after strike-partner Favilli’s fine assist.
The third and decisive goal would follow 12 minutes from time: Cypriot international Grigoris Kastanos’ quick thinking and excellent vision sprung the Vercelli offside trap to send Alessio Di Massimo one-on-one with the goalkeeper, the substitute making no mistake to wrap up a convincing home win.
Not for the first time this week, coach Grosso was left beaming.
“I told the boys before kick-off that this would be a tough game. It was a great opportunity for them to show their patience in breaking down a rigid and packed defence. In the end, we did everything we needed to and were rewarded with a well-earned win,” the World Cup winner added at full-time.
“There are a lot of very talented players in this team that are finding game-time hard to come by: we’ve all got to work together and make sure we maximise the squad’s potential and make sure everyone contributes when they get the chance.
“I’m very lucky to be able to name not only a good starting XI every week but also a very strong bench.”
Campo Sportivo “Ale & Ricky” di Vinovo.
Scorers: 39’ Pozzebon, 63’ Pozzebon, 78’ Di Massimo.
Juventus: Audero, Lirola, Coccolo, Bove, Romagna (c.), Blanco, Macek (79' Didiba), Kastanos (82’ Vadalà), Favilli, Clemenza, Pozzebon (70' Di Massimo).
Unused Substitutes: Del Favero, Vitali, Zappa, Pellini, Parodi, Severin, Toure, Morselli, Cassata.
Coach: Fabio Grosso.
Pro Vercelli: Lubbia, Magnati, Vernero (64' Cabella), Rosano, Picone Chiodo, Ferrando, Lovin, Monteleone (69' De Bonis), De Mitri, Bresciani (77’ Gouri Joane), Starita (c.)
Unused Substitutes: Tripicchio, Sperandio, Bianchi, Cino, Soster, Papa, Megbuluba.
Coach: Luca Salvalaggio.
Next fixture :**
Carpi-Juventus
Saturday 20 February, 14.30 CET
