Genoa: Federico Chiesa’s first-half strike along with another from Aaron Ramsey in stoppage time helped Juventus ease past Sampdoria 2-0 in Serie-A at the Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris on Saturday (January 30).
Andrea Pirlo set up his side in a 4-4-2 formation with Giorgio Chiellini being paired with Leonardo Bonucci at the centre of the defence. Federcio Chiesa and Weston Mckennie starting as wide midfielders completed a four-man midfield with Arthur alongside Rodrigo Bentancur starting in the middle of the park. Cristiano Ronaldo shared the forward line alongside Alvaro Morata.
The defending champions started the match well creating a few chances for early in the first. Chiesa opened the scoring after getting on the end of a fine move on the counters involving Ronaldo and Morata.
Ronaldo, himself however saw a rather frustrating first 45 minutes as he missed a few goalscoring opportunities. Sampdoria defender Maya Yoshida made a gem of a sliding challenge to deny Ronaldo going one on one with the goalkeeper.
Juan Cuadrardo was excellent in the match involving very well specially when the in those attacking moves by the Bianconeri. However, Sampdoria defended very well playing their heart out.
In the second half, they pressed high up the pitch hoping to get an equaliser, but the Bianconeri defence were too good for them. Welshman Ramsey put the icing on the cake with Cuadrado squaring one for him as the home side were again caught on the counter in the stoppage time. This win sent Pirlo’s side third in the table.
