Juventus are now four points clear at the top of Serie A ahead of AC Milan's Round 19 match on Sunday, meaning that the Bianconeri will be top of the table at the half-way point of the Serie A season. They earned that distinction Saturday with a win over Atalanta, where they created more chances than the 2-0 final score indicates. Andrea Pirlo ran the show in the middle yet again, while the Juve defense and substitutes put in great performances.
Atalanta Vs. Juventus, 2012 Serie A: Bianconeri Guarantee Top Spot At Halfway Point
Both Simone Pepe and Claudio Marchisio suffered injuries and had to come out of the match prematurely. Marchisio's substitution appeared to be precautionary, while Pepe's injury was more serious, as he had to leave via a stretcher in the second half.
Stephan Lichtsteiner scored the first goal and the ultimate winner in the 55th minute, with Pirlo providing a brilliant assist. The Bianconeri's right back spotted an opening and made a great late run to the back post, which Pirlo spotted. Juve's deep-lying playmaker hit a brilliant ball onto the head of Lichtsteiner, who finished with a simple near-post header.
Emanuele Giaccherini scored the second goal in the 82nd minute, assisted by young Luca Marrone. The finish was a simple one, but the assist from Marrone was anything but, as he tore the defense apart with a terrific pass to set up Giaccherini for his first Serie A goal for the Old Lady.
Juventus had a number of first half opportunities that they failed to convert, and they probably should have won this game by four or five goals. It was an excellent complete performance, much more dominant than the scoreboard indicates.
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