Juventus vs. Napoli: 4 takeaways from a much-needed 2-1 win

Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo was on the hot seat going into Wednesday evening’s match against Napoli at the Allianz Stadium. His team created a clear-cut chance after just two minutes, and that set the tone for the rest of the game. Although Napoli gave Juve something to think about at the end, the Bianconeri held on for a much-needed three points, winning 2-1.

Here are four takeaways from Juve’s win, which sets the team back on the right track after a loss to Benevento and an ugly draw with Torino this past weekend.

Paulo Dybala shows his value

Paulo Dybala has been mired in transfer rumors and has been the target of criticism. And that all seems unfair, considering he’s been dealing with injuries throughout the season. Just about the only thing I can really fault him for is breaking COVID-19 rules, but that shouldn’t doom Dybala’s future in Turin.

Reports of his demise have been very premature, and Dybala shot them into the sun by scoring an absolutely brilliant goal in the second-half after being substituted on the pitch for the first time in months due to injury.

Dybala’s highly-anticipated return did not disappoint. In an instant, Dybala reminded Juventini why he is one of Serie A’s foremost superstars with another moment of magic. He curled the ball perfectly into the left corner of the net, scoring in the tightest of areas. Because that’s what he does.

As my colleague James Cormack penned a while ago, Juventus are so much better when Dybala is healthy and in the lineup. And now that he’s back, he can make the difference in Juve’s battle to hold onto a Champions League spot. These three points will help a lot.

Greater overall attacking intensity

Juventus were wasteful and meandering against Benevento, playing right into the hands of Filippo Inzaghi’s low block. And they were lethargic against Torino. It’s damning that they were fortunate to tie that match, because many Juventini figured they would lose.

But against Napoli, Juve attacked well for the majority of the 90 minutes. They did not suffer from a slow start. From the moment the whistle blew for kick-off, Juventus were hungry and looking to get the ball into the box.

According to WhoScored.com, the Bianconeri had four players with at least two key passes, four players with a minimum of two dribbles completed, and four with at least two fouls drawn. There were so many players who contributed positively to Juve’s attack. Finally, this XI looked like a cohesive team out there.

A productive right-hand side

Maybe Andrea Pirlo will use this starting XI more often. With Federico Chiesa on the left-hand side as the only conceivable starting-quality option there, Pirlo turned to Juan Cuadrado as the right-sided midfielder with Danilo behind him. It was a slipped ball from Cuadrado to Danilo, followed by a cross to Cristiano Ronaldo from the Brazilian, that led to the glorious second-minute chance.

Danilo has been immense for Juve this season, and Wednesday was no different. He created chances on the ball, got forward, and recorded three interceptions with his intelligent defending. We know Danilo is an adept defender, but his attacking contributions have often been poor at the fullback spots. He stepped up against Napoli.

As for Cuadrado, he’s always been vital to Juventus. Cuadrado had a great dribble of his own, and while it did not lead to a goal like Federico Chiesa’s, it was a highlight. He was able to roam free more in the attack and did not have to worry about defending with Danilo supporting him.

Federico Chiesa spellbinding again

Federico Chiesa. What more superlatives can we say about this young man? The Fiorentina loanee had one of the plays of the season with his dribble to bamboozle multiple Napoli defenders. He then delivered a perfect ball to Cristiano Ronaldo, who did not waste the opportunity to give the Bianconeri a 1-0, first-half lead.

Throughout the match, Chiesa was busting his lungs for the Bianconeri. He completed five dribbles and was impossible for Napoli to stop. Had the officiating been more consistent, Chiesa would have created another goal for Ronaldo via a penalty.

And Chiesa did not shirk his defensive duties against Napoli. He made two clearances and matched his dribbled completed with a team-high five tackles. Talk about making an impact in all phases of the game.

But that’s just what Chiesa does. Week after week, he is Juve’s top performer. He is like having two players in the lineup with the running he provides. Juventini have fully fallen in love with him.