Thuram runs the show at the Stadium as Juventus close the gap in the Champions League race on Matchday 22
Juventus delivered a commanding performance at the Allianz Stadium, cruising to a 3-0 win over a depleted Napoli and moving within one point of the defending champions. Goals from David, Yildiz and Kostic sealed a statement victory for Luciano Spalletti’s side, confirming their strong momentum in the race for a top-four finish on Serie A Matchday 22.
With Napoli arriving in Turin severely short-handed, the contrasting psychological and physical conditions of the two teams were evident from the opening minutes. Juventus, once again lined up in a 3-4-2-1 system, pressed aggressively and pinned Napoli deep in their own half, while Antonio Conte’s men struggled to escape the Bianconeri pressure.
The hosts created a flurry of chances early on. Conceição and McKennie both went close, while Thuram struck the post with a beautiful curling effort and Conceição later saw a low shot dramatically cleared off the line by Buongiorno. Juventus’ dominance was rewarded in the 22nd minute, when David won a physical duel with Spinazzola inside the box and finished decisively after a recycled ball from Locatelli.
Napoli enjoyed some possession in advanced areas but rarely threatened Michele Di Gregorio. Their lone first-half chance came from Vergara, whose left-footed effort was comfortably saved.
The visitors showed more intent after the break, raising the tempo in search of an equalizer, but their familiar lack of cutting edge proved costly. After the introduction of Giovane, Napoli gifted Juventus the decisive second goal: a disastrous sideways pass from Juan Jesus was intercepted by Miretti, allowing Yildiz to race through and calmly beat Meret one-on-one.
Conte then turned to Romelu Lukaku, making his first appearance of the season, but even the Belgian striker failed to capitalize on a late tap-in opportunity. Juventus, instead, put the result beyond doubt. Deployed on the right, Filip Kostic cut inside and unleashed a precise left-footed strike from outside the box to make it 3-0 and complete Napoli’s collapse.
The final whistle confirmed a crucial win for Juventus, now just one point behind Napoli and fully involved in a wide-open Champions League battle. For the Partenopei, the heavy defeat exposed the cost of injuries and defensive errors, leaving Conte with plenty to reflect on ahead of the next round.
Match Report
Juventus 3-0 Napoli
Juventus (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly; McKennie, Locatelli (Koopmeiners 87’), Thuram, Cambiaso (Cabal 60’); Conceição (Kostic 60’), Yildiz (Gatti 87’); David (Miretti 77’).
Coach: Luciano Spalletti
Napoli (3-4-2-1): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Juan Jesus, Buongiorno; Gutierrez (Beukema 74’), Lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola; Vergara (Lukaku 78’), Elmas (Giovane 69’); Hojlund.
Coach: Antonio Conte
Goals: David (22’), Yildiz (77’), Kostic (86’)
Referee: Mariani
Yellow cards: Juan Jesus, Vergara (Napoli); Yildiz (Juventus)
Red cards: None
