Ambitions at opposite ends of the table were in focus at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, as relegation-battling Bologna entertained table-topping Juventus. But this was not the all-conquering Old Lady that the world has been used to in recent months; this was an injured and potentially vulnerable beast. Needless to say, under the watchful gaze of the historic Marathon Tower this was the next stop in our ‘Framed’ series.
Juve were coming into the game on the back of a defeat – a rare thing for The Bianconeri, who, if they could avoid defeat in this fixture, would be 25 games unbeaten in Serie A. Their loss had come at the hands of Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16 first leg clash at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, and this was a far cry from the bright lights of Europe’s premier competition.
Their opponents are in a battle for Serie A survival. Bologna have just one win in 2019 – it’s the type of form that leads to a swift exit from the top table, and the last team you'd want to see turn up when you’re desperate for a result is Juventus. The venue may be a familiar one to England fans of a certain generation, it being the location of David Platt’s memorable Italia 90 strike against Belgium. But on this day, the only sign of a David was in the form of lowly Bologna taking on the giants of Turin.
Chances were presented for both teams, but after several spurned opportunities from the home side, including a goalmouth scramble, it was Juve who took the lead through substitute Paulo Dybala, knocking the wind out of the home fans. Chances continued to come for the Rossoblu however, and Nicola Sansone almost equalised in injury time, but for a fabulous save from keeper Mattia Perin, who tipped the 20-yard shot on to the post.
The home fans had hoped beyond reason and the Bologna players had given their all, managing 18 shots to Juventus’ six. But it’s that clinical edge that separates each end of the table.
Photography by Giacomo Cosua for SoccerBible.
