There’s a first time for everything and Sunday was the first time that Juventus have ever beaten Spezia. The returning Cristiano Ronaldo was at the double for the visitors, helping his side to a 4-1 win after coming off the bench with the score tied at 1-1.
It is worth noting, of course, when citing this record, that Juventus and Spezia have only once previously played in the same division, back in 2006/07 in Serie B, a long time before the arrival of the Vecchia Signora’s current No.7.
With Ronaldo on the bench on his post-COVID return, Juventus nevertheless started strongly and took the lead after 14 minutes through Alvaro Morata, who converted a generous assist from Weston McKennie. VAR has not been the man from Madrid’s best friend lately, but on this occasion his strike was ruled onside after a video referee check.
The home side found a way back less than 20 minutes later with Tommaso Pobega beating Buffon after great work down the right by Paolo Bartolomei. Both sides had further chances before the break, but McKennie squandered the best of these after being set up by Morata.
Spezia started the second half brightly, but Juve boss Andrea Pirlo had an ace up his sleeve in the form of a certain Portuguese forward. Entering the field of play in the 56th minute, it was just two minutes before Cristiano Ronaldo was rounding the Spezia goalkeeper Ivan Provedel to put his side ahead after being played in by Morata.
Andrea Pirlo’s subs were on the money in this match, with Adrien Rabiot coming on in the 62nd minute and making it 3-1 in the 67th. The French midfielder’s run in behind was found by Federico Chiesa and he showed great composure to go by defender Julian Chabot before slotting home.
The icing on the cake for Juventus and Ronaldo came in the 76th minute. After a dubious penalty was awarded, Ronaldo left Provedel helpless with an exquisite Panenka.
The No.7 came on, he saw and he conquered. Cristiano Ronaldo is back and his timing, both in terms of the season and match, couldn’t have been better, as there’s no doubt Juventus have missed him.
