In a decisive match for playoff positioning, Juventus Next Gen delivered a stunning performance against Crotone, winning 4-1 at Stadio Pozzo-La Marmora in Biella on April 5, 2025. The home side showcased their attacking prowess and tactical discipline, securing three vital points as they push for a playoff spot in Serie C.
The match began with Crotone showing early promise, creating several scoring opportunities. In the first few minutes, Ricci and Tumminello nearly found the back of the net, but their efforts were thwarted by the Juventus defense and goalkeeper Daffara. However, it was Juventus who struck first, taking the lead in the 24th minute when Adzic converted a penalty after being fouled in the box by Cargnelutti. Adzic's calm finish from the spot gave Juventus a crucial advantage.
Juventus continued to build momentum and doubled their lead just before halftime. In the 40th minute, Pietrelli scored a brilliant goal, receiving a pass from Cudrig and skillfully maneuvering past a defender before slotting the ball into the net. The first half ended with Juventus firmly in control, leading 2-0.
The second half began with a significant turning point as Crotone's Armini was sent off in the 48th minute for a last-man foul on Afena-Gyan, leaving the visitors with ten men. Despite the setback, Crotone attempted to regroup and push for a comeback. They came close to scoring when Vitale hit the post with a powerful shot in the 66th minute, but their efforts were in vain.
Juventus capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Adzic scoring his second goal of the match in the 73rd minute. After a well-constructed play involving Amaradio, Adzic found space in the box and placed the ball expertly past D'Alterio to make it 3-0.
Despite the scoreline, Crotone refused to back down. In the 80th minute, Gomez managed to score a consolation goal for the visitors, finishing off an assist from Silva and bringing the score to 3-1. However, Juventus responded swiftly, sealing the match with another penalty in the dying moments. Guerra stepped up to take the spot-kick after a handball in the box, converting it confidently to finalize the score at 4-1.
This emphatic victory propels Juventus Next Gen to ninth place in the standings with 41 points, while Crotone remains fourth with 51 points. The match highlighted the talents of Adzic, who not only scored twice but also contributed significantly to Juventus's offensive play. Coach Brambilla praised his team's performance, stating, "We showed great character and determination today. This win is a big step towards our playoff ambitions."
As the season progresses, Crotone will need to regroup quickly, with two crucial matches remaining against Foggia and Caserta. Coach Longo acknowledged the team's need to bounce back after this setback, saying, "We’ve had a good run, but today was a reminder that we need to stay focused and resilient if we want to achieve our goals." With the playoff race heating up, both teams will be looking to secure their positions in the coming weeks.
Overall, the match was a thrilling display of skill and strategy, showcasing the potential of Juventus Next Gen as they aim for a successful conclusion to the season. Fans left the stadium buzzing with excitement, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this unfolding story of Serie C football.
