Juventus Turin have closed the gap on league leaders Inter Milan to one point. The Bianconeri won at rebellious promoted side Frosinone Calcio in the final sprint
Massimiliano Allegri was without Chiesa (injury) after the 1-1 draw at Genoa 1893, while Vlahovic was only on the bench with an injury. The two strikers, Gatti and Miretti were replaced by Alex Sandro, Rabiot, Milik and youngster Yildiz for the first time.
Frosinone had completely surprised everyone in their 4-0 cup win at Napoli. Coach Eusebio di Francesco reshuffled the starting eleven at Vesuvius, including regular keeper Turati and top scorer Soulé (six goals), with a new sextet on the pitch
Yildiz scores after a solo run
Juventus immediately seized the initiative in Frosinone, who were entrenched in their own half. The Old Lady’s dominance was soon reflected in the numbers, with youngster Yildiz crowning his starting debut with his first goal in Serie A (12′) after attacking pressing and a great solo run.
The Turin side then rested on their lead, which brought the newly promoted side into the game, who initially shifted the action more and more into their opponents’ half and came close to equalizing with Barrenechea’s free-kick (22′).
After half an hour, the second-placed team broke out of their wait-and-see attitude. While the visibly anxious hosts failed to create any more compelling chances in an almost even first half, Kostic missed the 2:0 on a counter-attack from a promising position (39′).
Baez capitalizes on Monterisi’s fine pass
After the restart, the Bianconeri were once again passive and Frosinone punished them immediately: Baez equalized after Monterisi’s well-timed pass against an all-too-breezy defence and a Szczesny who was not looking his best (51′).
Allegri reacted with a triple substitution, bringing on Vlahovic among others. But the newly promoted side had caught the scent and almost turned the game around (Soulé, 58). A short time later, Vlahovic had his first action at the other end, the striker shot too centrally after a strong turn and Turati had the luck of the draw (63′).
Frosinone remained more active and there was a clear will to win the treble: Szczesny had to do everything he could to stop Harroui’s fine shot from going behind (72′).
Vlahovic decides the game with a precise header
The promoted side had kept Juve well at bay in the second half, but La Vecchia Signora turned up the heat in the closing stages: McKennie’s scissor kick landed just off the crossbar (76′), but the ex-Schalker remained one of the protagonists and provided a measured cross for Vlahovic, who clinched the tie with a precise header (81′).
The Serie A season continues between the holidays: Frosinone continue with an away game at Lazio Roma (Friday, 8.45pm), Juve host AS Roma on Saturday (8.45pm).
