The goalposts and attentive Genoa defense stop lackluster Juventus
Coach Massimiliano Allegri opted for an attacking duo formed by Federico Chiesa and Dusan Vlahovic as Juventus faced a Genoa side that has shown great defensive compactness despite losing two in a row (vs Monza and Inter Milan).
In the opening minutes, the constant pressing by the visiting team made it particularly difficult for the Bianconeri to manage possession. In fact, the first scoring opportunity was created by Genoa, with a header from defender Mattia Bani off a free kick that Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny deflected wide.
Consequently, the Bianconeri preferred to leave control of the ball to their opponents and wait to then start on the counterattack. But this didn't work due to constant technical inaccuracy.
The first half ended without much excitement and few shots on goal.
Juventus came out in the second half more determined to take charge, but the match continued without any brilliant flashes.
At the end of the first hour of play, Allegri decided to replace Federico Chiesa who was inconsistent failed to demonstrate an effective understanding with his attacking partner. It must be said, however, that this substitution was not at all appreciated by the Juventus supporters.
A few minutes later Juve twice came close to scoring. First, substitute Samuel Iling-Junior hit the post with a nice shot. Secondly, a header from Dusan Vlahovic, following a cross from his teammate Andrea Cambiaso, ended up just wide of the target.
Afterwards, Genoa lowered their center of gravity significantly, trying to get the precious road point, while the Bianconeri continued their attacks, only managing to hit another post, this time from substitute Moise Kean.
Juventus have won only one of their last eight matches, a home victory against Frosinone where the victory was only achieved on the final play. The only positive note was not having conceded after failing to keep a clean sheet for over a month. Genoa, for their part, confirmed they are one of the toughest teams to face in the entire Serie A.