October 18, (THEWILL) – Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, (MAN) Oron, Commodore Duja EffeduaJuventus won 1-0 against Roma thanks to Moise Kean’s close-range header in a game that will be remembered for a contentious VAR decision just before halftime.
A Tammy Abraham “goal” in the 42nd minute could have spoiled Juventus’ fourth consecutive Serie A victory, but referee Daniele Orsato blew for a penalty in the build-up to Abraham putting the ball in the net, and Jordan Veretout’s subsequent spot-kick was saved by Wojciech Szczesny.
As an outcome of the result, Juventus moved up to seventh place. Roma, on the other hand, is still in fourth place with 15 points, two points behind third-placed Inter Milan.
Despite Roma’s possession dominance in the first quarter-hour, Kean gave Juventus the lead. Rodrigo Bentancur nodded a fine cross into the box from Mattia De Sciglio towards goal, off the Everton loanee and into the net.
Roma pushed hard for an equalizer and thought they had it when Abraham tapped the ball into the net on the stroke of half-time, but referee Orsato blew for a foul on Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the build-up after he was brought down inside the box by Szczesny.
The penalty was awarded after a VAR check, and Abraham and Jordan Veretout had a disagreement about who should take it. Then, Szczesny saved Veretout’s spot-kick after they settled for the Frenchman to take it.
When a Federico Bernardeschi overhead kick was spilt into his path in the 52nd minute, Kean somehow failed to convert from point-blank range before there was more VAR drama moments later.
In the 54th minute, as Giorgio Chiellini cleared the ball, Lorenzo Pellegrini went down with it in the box, claiming a penalty. Orsato, the referee, decided not to award anything. After a one minute and 44 second check, the VAR officials agreed with Orsato and no spot-kick was awarded.
Roma went in search of a winner with Veretout curling a strike just wide and Matías Vina having a close-range shot characteristically blocked by Chiellini in the nick of time, but Juventus held on for an important three points in a tight contest.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
