What attributes do Premier League representatives typically boast on the continental stage? Pace would presumably rank highly, precision would not be too far behind, relentless attacking threats would also be listed, as would hounding out the opposition, together with a tenacity and accurate playmaking passes from midfield.
These, though, were all characteristics of Juventus' game during the opening swordsmanship of the concluding leg to their round of 16 Champions League clash with London outfit Chelsea.
The visiting Blues struggled to deal with the Old Lady's acceleration and fast tempo and, in truth, they looked to be surprised by the tactic. Juventus' early pressure came from multiple outlets, but attacking left back Cristian Molinero in particular caused Chelsea's Jose Bosingwa numerous difficulties.
The black and white striped team really took the game to their visitors. They were fired up and aided by their raucous and passionate fans who were relentless in their melodic chanting. However, without Momo Sissoko, there were always going to be questions about whether or not they could dominate for the full 90 minutes and, indeed, this scepticism was not unfounded.
Juventus took the lead through Vincenzo Iaquinta who was thread a superb through ball from Frenchman David Trezeguet after a stunning chest-and-go movement. Iaquinta then sent the ball round Petr Cech from inside the area with an in-swinging curling outfit that was struck with finesse.
Chelsea had a chance to equalize five minutes from half-time as Didier Drogba lined up a free-kick and struck the dead-ball with such ferocity that Gigi Buffon was seen scrambling to the ball that looked suspiciously like it had already crossed the line, before the most expensive glovesman in the history of world football spooned the ball out over the line and play resumed.
It was not to be the Blues' only chance though, and just moments from the break English international Frank Lampard sent a driven long-range effort toward goal that rebounded into the path of Michael Essien who, despite only recently returning from a long-term injury, showed great bravery in getting his foot to the ball full in the knowledge that it was going to result in contact from Buffon. The ball trickled over the line though, and Chelsea had restored parity.
The second half started how the first half ended, and Juve were the first to find joy after substitute Juliano Belletti was deemed to have blocked a Del Piero free kick with his hands, and referee Mallenco was quick to award a penalty despite a confusing, and lengthy, melee. The iconic Del Piero though lined up the spot kick, sent Cech the wrong way, cooly slotted the ball home, and the tie was alive again.
Any optimism emanating from the home fans was to be short-lived, as Michael Ballack - who had looked to be a match-breaker on numerous occasions throughout the game - sent a pin-point low-level cross through to Didier Drogba, who made no mistake in lifting the ball over and around Buffon.
Juve's chance of a revival could have been helped had the usually reliable Georgio Chiellini kept his head, and not received a second yellow and consequential dismissal midway through the second half, prior to the club's second goal. His preceding challenge was crisp, and he won the ball, so the second caution could only have been rewarded for his verbal reaction.
It was a thrilling encounter, on an evening that spoiled neutral football fans considering results elsewhere.
LINE UPS
Juventus: Buffon - Grygera; Mellberg; Chiellini; Molinaro - Tiago, Marchisio; Nedved - Iaquinta; Del Piero; Trezeguet.
Chelsea: Cech - Bosingwa; Terry; Alex; A Cole - Mikel; Essien - Lampard; Ballack - Drogba; Anelka.
Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)
GOALS
Iaquinta (18); Essien (45); Del Piero [pen] (74); Drogba (82).
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