Juventus and Napoli Draw Blank in Conte’s Return to Turin
Juventus and Napoli played out a goalless draw on Saturday in a highly anticipated Serie A clash that saw two title contenders cancel each other out. The match marked the return of former Juventus coach Antonio Conte to his old stomping ground, but the Italian tactician’s Napoli side failed to break down a resolute Juventus defense.
Despite a fiercely contested battle, the match at the Allianz Stadium in Turin lacked excitement, with few clear-cut chances created. Juventus maintained their unbeaten start to the season under new coach Thiago Motta, but their third consecutive league stalemate denied them top spot.
Torino currently lead the Serie A standings after their 3-2 win at Verona on Friday, followed by Udinese and Napoli, who are both a point ahead of Juventus. Conte’s Napoli, despite their impressive defensive display, remain in third place.
Conte, who won eight Serie A titles and the 1996 Champions League during his time with Juventus as a player and coach, received a low-key welcome from his former supporters. His team effectively shut down the match, creating the two best chances of the game.
Michele Di Gregorio made a fine save from Matteo Politano’s free-kick in stoppage time, while Politano also slammed a shot over the bar shortly after the break. Before kick-off, fans paid tribute to former Juventus striker Toto Schillaci, who passed away at the age of 59.
However, the moment of remembrance was marred by Napoli supporters in the away end, who were loudly whistled by home fans after yelling out insults. The match itself lacked goalmouth action, with the first real chance coming in stoppage time when Di Gregorio tipped away Politano’s free-kick.
Politano was again involved in the last major incident of the match, cutting inside and firing a curling shot just over the bar nine minutes after the break. Both teams seemed content with a draw, unwilling to risk defeat to a direct rival so early in the season.
In other Serie A action, Venezia claimed their first win since being promoted, defeating Genoa 2-0 at home.
