TORINO vs JUVENTUS 1-1 | HIGHLIGHTS | Derby della Mole ends all square | Serie A 2024/25

Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw against Torino in a fiercely contested Derby della Mole on Saturday, as Nikola Vlasic's late first-half strike canceled out Kenan Yildiz's early opener. The match, played at Torino’s home ground, was a heated affair that saw tempers boil over in the second half, leading to the dismissal of both head coaches, Paolo Vanoli of Torino and Thiago Motta of Juventus. The draw marked another frustrating result for Juventus, who were looking to bounce back after their recent Italian Super Cup semifinal defeat to AC Milan.

Juventus began the match brightly, showing the attacking intent that has made them one of Serie A’s top sides this season. Despite missing key players such as Dusan Vlahovic, sidelined with a muscle injury, and Manuel Locatelli, suspended for the derby, the visitors started with energy and purpose. Their efforts were rewarded in the eighth minute when 19-year-old Turkish forward Kenan Yildiz put them in front. Yildiz dribbled past two Torino defenders with impressive footwork before unleashing a low, precise shot from outside the box. The ball ricocheted off the inside of the right post and into the net, leaving Torino goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic with no chance. It was a moment of brilliance from the teenager, who had also scored against Torino when the sides met earlier in the season.

Juventus continued to press for a second goal, and Nico Gonzalez thought he had doubled their lead in the 21st minute. However, his effort was ruled out for offside after a VAR review, denying the visitors a cushion in what was shaping up to be a highly competitive derby. Federico Gatti came close to adding to Juventus' advantage later in the first half, but his header from a well-taken corner narrowly missed the target. The visitors looked in control for much of the half, dominating possession and creating more clear-cut chances than their city rivals.

As the half progressed, however, Torino began to find their rhythm. The hosts, who have struggled to make an impact in this fixture in recent years, grew in confidence as they looked to end their winless streak against Juventus, which dates back to April 2015. Their persistence paid off just before halftime when Nikola Vlasic leveled the score with a stunning strike. The Croatian midfielder controlled a loose ball at the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful shot that rattled the post before finding the back of the net. It was Torino’s first goal against Juventus in four meetings, and it sent the home crowd into raptures as they celebrated a rare moment of success in the derby.

The equalizer set the stage for an intense and emotional second half. Both teams returned to the pitch determined to seize control of the match, and the physical nature of the game soon led to a boiling point. Early in the second half, Juventus defender Nicolò Savona brought down Yann Karamoh just outside the box in a challenge that sparked protests from both benches. The heated exchange between the coaching staffs saw both Vanoli and Motta sent off by the referee, adding to the drama of an already fiery encounter.

Despite the disruptions, the match continued at a high tempo, with both sides pushing for a winner. Juventus, though slightly depleted in attack, relied on the creativity of their midfield and the pace of their young forwards to trouble Torino’s defense. Yildiz, buoyed by his earlier goal, remained a constant threat, while Gonzalez and Filip Kostić worked tirelessly to create openings. Torino, on the other hand, found inspiration in Vlasic’s equalizer and sought to exploit spaces in Juventus' backline through quick transitions and set pieces.

As the clock ticked down, Juventus came close to regaining the lead on several occasions. Milinkovic-Savic made a series of fine saves to deny efforts from Gonzalez and Kostić, keeping Torino in the game. At the other end, Torino created a handful of half-chances but struggled to test Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny. The match ended in a stalemate, with both teams taking a point that reflected their efforts on the day.

The result leaves Torino in 11th place in Serie A with 22 points, a position that underscores their inconsistency this season. While their performance against Juventus showed determination and resilience, they remain far from the top half of the table and will need to find greater consistency if they are to challenge for European qualification spots. Torino’s next match, a trip to sixth-placed Fiorentina, will be another test of their mettle as they look to build on this spirited performance.

For Juventus, the draw represents a missed opportunity to gain ground in the league. Currently fifth in the Serie A standings with 33 points, they remain unbeaten in the competition this season, but their form has been patchy in recent weeks. The draw against Torino marked their sixth match in seven league outings where they have dropped points, a concerning trend for Thiago Motta’s side. With a demanding schedule ahead, Juventus will need to rediscover their winning touch to stay in contention for the Scudetto.

The road ahead for Juventus is challenging, with a series of high-stakes fixtures on the horizon. They travel to face second-placed Atalanta in Bergamo on Tuesday, a clash that could have significant implications for the title race. Following that, they host AC Milan, their recent Super Cup conquerors, in what promises to be another closely contested battle. Juventus will also resume their Champions League campaign later this month, with an away match against Club Brugge on January 21, followed by a home encounter with Benfica. Sandwiched between these European ties is a trip to league leaders Napoli, making January a pivotal month for the Bianconeri.

The absence of key players like Vlahovic and Locatelli has undoubtedly affected Juventus’ performances, but their depth has allowed young talents like Yildiz to shine. The Turkish forward’s impressive form has been one of the bright spots in an otherwise inconsistent campaign. His ability to deliver in crucial moments has earned him praise from fans and pundits alike, and he is quickly establishing himself as a key figure in Juventus’ future plans.

Despite the challenges, Juventus remain a formidable force in Italian football. Their resilience and ability to grind out results have kept them in the mix for multiple competitions, even as they face injury setbacks and a demanding schedule. Thiago Motta’s tactical acumen and willingness to trust young players have been central to their approach this season, and the team’s ability to adapt to different challenges will be crucial as they navigate the second half of the campaign.

In conclusion, the 1-1 draw between Juventus and Torino was a captivating encounter that showcased the intensity and passion of the Derby della Mole. While both sides will feel they could have taken more from the match, the result reflected the competitive nature of the contest. For Torino, the draw was a step forward in their quest to improve their fortunes against their city rivals, while Juventus will see it as a reminder of the work needed to maintain their push for silverware. With a busy and challenging schedule ahead, both teams will look to build on this performance as they strive to achieve their respective goals for the season.