JUVENTUS’ hopes of a tenth consecutive Scudetto took a huge hit as they lost 2-0 to rivals Inter Milan on Sunday.
Former Bianconeri boss Antonio Conte, who started Juventus’ revival a decade ago with three title wins, taught his old side a lesson to leave them seven points off the summit while putting Inter level with leaders AC Milan.
Arturo Vidal kissed the Juventus badge before scoring against them in a 2-0 win for Inter MilanCredit: Reuters
The Chilean put Inter ahead with a powerful header early onCredit: AP:Associated Press
Ex-Juventus icon Arturo Vidal, a key man in Conte’s Turin side, opened the scoring at the San Siro in the 12th minute with a powerful header.
It was an especially controversial moment as the Chilean, signed from Barcelona last summer, was filmed KISSING the Juventus badge while chatting with former team-mate Giorgio Chiellini before kick-off.
Despite losing out in possession, Inter had plenty of more attempts on goal than their fierce rivals as Romelu Lukaku outshone Cristiano Ronaldo.
And Inter gave themselves a commanding advantage in the 52nd minute when Nicolo Barella hit the target for 2-0.
Juventus, who also gave starts to ex-Premier League players including Aaron Ramsey, Alvaro Morata and Danilo, looked short on ideas as they searched in vain for a consolation goal.
And after coming up short, the pressure is mounting on new gaffer Andrea Pirlo – another key player from Conte’s famous Juve side.
He was brought in to replace Maurizio Sarri, who was cruelly axed in August despite guiding Juventus to a ninth consecutive title.
However, inexperienced Pirlo is now in danger of missing out completely on a trophy that has become synonymous with the Old Lady in recent memory.
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Nicolo Barella made it 2-0 in the second halfCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Inter are now level at the top of Serie A with AC MilanCredit: Getty Images – Getty
As for Inter, they now have a chance to correct last season’s poor run-in which allowed Sarri’s Juve to capture the title late on.
Conte’s men are level on points with city rivals AC, who still have a game in hand.
The Rossoneri have the chance to go three points clear of Inter on Monday when they visit struggling relegation candidates Cagliari.
Milan have been inspired to the top by 39-year-old veteran Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who led them to their last title in 2010.
And the Swede is now set to be joined in attack by 34-year-old ex-Juve man Mario Mandzukic, who has agreed a free transfer until the end of the season.
It was a bad day at the office for Cristiano RonaldoCredit: AFP or licensors
Andrea Pirlo is in danger of blowing a tenth straight title for JuveCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo trains with boxer Gennady Golovkin
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
