Chapter 120: Chapter 120: The First Leg of the Semifinals
Chapter 120: The First Leg of the Semifinals
In addition to the crucial match between Udinese and Napoli, third and fourth in Serie A respectively, another much-anticipated game was Juventus hosting Bologna. A victory for Juventus would crown them Serie A champions four rounds early. As expected, the formidable Juventus secured a narrow 1:0 win at home, with Paul Pogba scoring the match's only goal. This was Pogba's seventh goal of the Serie A season, along with seven assists. Although not as impressive as Bruno's statistics, it was still an outstanding performance.
Despite Roma winning their tough away game 1:0 against Fiorentina, they were 13 points behind Juventus with only four games left, leaving them no choice but to watch Juventus clinch the title early.
With the league title in hand, Juventus traveled north to Udine to face Udinese in the Europa League semifinals. Pogba was set for his second confrontation of the season with Bruno. During the previous league encounter, strategically rested by Udinese, Bruno did not play, preventing an on-field meeting between the two.
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After the 34th round of Serie A, media coverage intensified from the moment Juventus landed at the Friuli Airport in Udine. Both Juventus and Udinese players appeared confident before the game. Pogba, having scored the decisive goal that secured the Serie A title for Juventus, told reporters from Italy and France, "Udinese is a strong team, but we are stronger. We have just won the league and are full of fighting spirit; we are not afraid of playing away."
Juventus captain Buffon commented, "We know Udinese has a strong offense, but we won't let them score easily." Responding to these remarks, Udinese's captain Di Natale retorted, "Our strategy is straightforward, and there's nothing to hide; we plan to break down our opponents with our best attack!" Bruno also expressed a strong belief in victory: "There is no other outcome but victory; the only way to the final is to win. I can't see any other option..."
Udinese's vice-captain Basta was much more succinct, saying only "Yes, we will win," before coolly turning away from the reporters.
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Compared to the players, the coaches were a bit more cautious. Juventus's coach, Conte, stated modestly, "I don't know who the final victor will be until the game is over; all I can say is we will give our all for the full ninety minutes and beyond if necessary." Udinese's coach, Guidolin, didn't boast about the results but emphasized that his team would take the game seriously.
Fans from both sides were also very engaged with this match. Tickets for the Friuli Stadium, which can hold over forty thousand spectators, had been sold out early, with over two thousand Juventus fans traveling to the game, and the rest of the fans supporting Udinese. The stadium had been packed for almost every home game this season, thanks to the team's excellent performances. Udinese fans had never felt as thrilled as they did this season.
Many fans prepared banners declaring "On to Turin," planning to display them during the game. Others coordinated online with like-minded fans to arrange how to cheer for the team during the match. They shared songs written for the players, including Di Natale and Bruno, on the internet to familiarize everyone with the lyrics and melodies, aiming to create an overwhelming atmosphere during the match.
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So, on the evening of April 25th, a critical game for both teams and many others kicked off at the Friuli Stadium. As predicted by the media, Udinese launched a strong offensive at home, playing an attacking game, while Juventus opted for a more conservative, counter-attacking approach. This was a logical choice, given that Udinese needed a home win more urgently and Juventus, stronger on paper and advantaged by the fixture schedule, could afford to play more defensively.
Udinese's attack was renowned across Europe; their games seldom ended with just one goal. Compared to their championship win the previous weekend, Juventus had rotated heavily. Essentially, they rested most of their key players for the weekend's game, fielding a full-strength lineup for this match.
Conte deployed his preferred 3-5-2 formation, with Buffon in goal, Caceres, Bonucci, and Chiellini as the three center-backs. The midfield included Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, and Asamoah, with Vucinic and Tevez forming a dynamic forward duo.
Guidolin also made adjustments, setting up his usual 4-2-3-1 formation. Scuffet was in goal, with a back four of Basta, Danilo, Naldo, and Silva. The double pivot midfield comprised Kante and Allan, with the attacking midfield line of Widmer, Bruno, and Muriel, and Di Natale leading the attack as the lone striker.
Aside from Di Natale, who returned to the starting lineup after being rested the previous weekend, the young Swiss player, Silvan Widmer, was a surprising starter. Before this, he had been a substitute, ranked behind Mahrer and Badu for the right winger position. However, for this match, Guidolin did not start Mahrer or Badu but opted for the less frequently used Widmer.
This decision surprised even Juventus coach Conte, who had no information on Widmer as the player had mainly played in the reserve team this season, with little exposure in the first team.
And as it turned out, Widmer would play a pivotal role in the match.
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During the first ten minutes of the game, Widmer was still getting acclimated, quickly passing the ball without attempting his trademark dribbles. It seemed Muriel was still Udinese's main attacking threat. He attempted three dribbles, succeeding once and failing twice.
However, Bruno was closely monitoring Widmer's situation, ready to switch the play to him as soon as he felt Widmer was in rhythm. At the 22nd minute, after Muriel drew two Juventus defenders on the left flank and passed the ball out, Bruno received it and immediately switched it to the other side to Widmer.
The 21-year-old Widmer, though not particularly robust at 183 cm, was fast, agile, and skilled. This time, instead of passing, he chose to dribble forward.
Former Udinese player Asamoah, completely unaware of Widmer's capabilities from the previous twenty minutes, was caught off guard by Widmer's sudden move!
After bypassing Asamoah, Widmer didn't cross but continued his drive into the box. Just as he entered the penalty area, Juventus's defensive midfielder Marchisio rushed up, making side contact and attempting a tackle.
Widmer went down after the bump from Marchisio.
The stands at the Friuli Stadium erupted, shouting, "Penalty!!" Di Natale and Bruno also raised their hands, signaling to the referee that a foul had been committed by the Juventus player.
The referee blew his whistle and pointed to the penalty spot! (End of Chapter)
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