The Derby della Mole between Juventus and Torino was an emotional rollercoaster that finished with a 1-1 score in the Stadio Olimpico. The early moment of brilliance from Kenan Yildiz, who scored a great goal in the 8th minute, was all the Old Lady could get in the game as they allowed the Granata to equalize late in the first half with a superb volley by Nikola Vlasic.
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Yildiz's genius and Torino's response
The game had started on a promising note for Juventus. Kenan Yildiz, in a dazzling display of individual skill, danced past two Torino defenders before unleashing a powerful left-footed shot that caught Vanja Milinkovic-Savic off guard. A goal like that could easily land among the season's finest. The young Turkish forward not only put the Bianconeri ahead but also set the tone for what seemed to be a controlled match.
But Torino wasn't about to sit back. As the attacking talents of Nikola Vlasic, Yann Karamoh, and Valentino Lazaro drove the hosts' movements, spaces opened up in Juve's defense. Karol Linetty saw a golden opportunity go begging as Juventus had a Nico Gonzalez goal chalked off for offside. The pressure began to mount from Torino, especially from the wings, where Borna Sosa and Lazaro were proving a nuisance to the Juventus backline.
Until shortly before half-time, Torino's pressure finally told. Karamoh surged down the left and found Vlasic, whose impeccable volley into the far corner left Michele Di Gregorio rooted to the spot. The goal sends the teams in on a level that makes everything up for grabs in the second half.
Missed chances
After the break, Torino came out with even greater intensity, pressing Juventus high and forcing defensive errors. Again, on the 52nd minute, there was a clear chance; this time, Guillermo Maripan was being denied by Di Gregorio. Juventus at once looked submerged during the first 15 minutes of the second half, as Torino piled corner after corner, keeping the visitors' defense under continuous pressure.
But then Juventus slowly found their feet once more. Ever dangerous, Yildiz drew a goal bound shot in the 63 minute that flew narrowly over the top. Teun Koopmeiners tried his hand from distance as well, and Milinkovic-Savic, with a bit of everything, prevented them for the third consecutive time.
Juventus went all out in the final minutes of the game, searching for a winning goal. Nico Gonzalez and Timothy Weah, both tried their luck against Torino's goalkeeper, but once again, Milinkovic-Savic was up to the task. Torino were not dangerous only on counters, a signal of their intention to steal all three points.