The big game of Matchday 27 of Serie A was SSC Napoli v Juventus FC.
Both teams wanted the win and the intent was evident right from the start, resulting in a very entertaining affair, with two teams continuously taking turns creating opportunities.
The home team fielded its starting offensive trident, formed by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Matteo Politano and Victor Osimhen, while Massimiliano Allegri had to do without Adrien Rabiot and Weston McKennie in midfield, both out due to injury, deploying young reserves in their stead.
The start of the match was characterized by fast tempo and an ineffective midfield filter by both teams.
The first clear opportunity was for the Bianconeri thanks to Federico Chiesa who managed to reach the back of the pitch by making a precise cross for Dusan Vlahovic, positioned in the center of the penalty area, whose header narrowly missed.
Meanwhile, the Georgian talent Kvaratskhelia proved to be in excellent form so much so that his opponents were repeatedly forced to foul him.
In the 26th minute, Osimhen took advantage of a blunder by the defender Bremer, who brought down the Napoli striker and was booked for the foul.
The home team twice came close to scoring, first with a high shot from captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo who should have done more, then from a Politano free kick that was blocked by Wojciech Szczesny.
Juventus reacted behind Vlahovic who hit lobbed the onrushing goalkeeper but missed the net.
The opening goal for the Azzurri came in the 42nd minute with a magnificent volley by Kvaratskhelia who trapped a high ball from a poor Juventus clearance of a Di Lorenzo cross.
Before the end of the first half, the Bianconeri nearly equalized and again it was Vlahovic who was well served in a very favorable position in front of the opposing net but wasted the chance.
The second half started without substitutions.
The match continued with a similar register to that of the first half, with continuous potential opportunities for both teams.
At the hour mark, play was characterized by a balance between the two teams, without any real dominance by either.
Shortly afterwards both coaches made changes. Francesco Calzona sought to inject fresh energy while Allegri tried a more offensive tactical structure. Among the new arrivals was young Joseph Nonge who became decisive in all the wrong ways.
In the 81st minute, Chiesa fired a low that Napoli goalie Alex Meret could not handle, momentarily tying the match
There was no time to enjoy the draw though as Napoli immediately carried into the offensive zone. Osimhen was then clumsily fouled by Nonge in the penalty area and a VAR review led to a penalty call.
Osimhen picked his spot well but Szczesny blocked the kick but it was the Azzurri players who got to the rebound first, among them sub Giacomo Raspadori, who turned it home to make it 2-1.
The Vecchia Signora had one more chance to equalize off a corner kick but Daniele Rugani kicked it over the bar. Rugani had been decisive for Juventus, scoring the winner in their last match against Frosinone.
The result surely gives Napoli confidence in view of their next matches, while Juventus has hit a rough patch that gives AC Milan hope in their fight for second place.