Juventus’ hopes of the Scudetto are surely over as Sergio Pellissier completed his hat-trick in injury time to earn Chievo a thrilling 3-3 draw in Turin.

It was a pre-Easter treat for Calcio fans as all 10 Serie A games were set for today. With Inter not kicking off until 1800 CET, Juventus had the opportunity to temporarily cut the gap at the top to four points.

The Bianconeri’s injury problems had eased up during the international break, and Mauro Camoranesi and Paolo De Ceglie returned to the bench. Zanetti, Sissoko, Legrottaglie, Amauri, Ekdal, and Manninger were all still injured though. Alessandro Del Piero and Vincenzo Iaquinta continued up-front.

Chievo had seemed certain for relegation at the turn of the year, but just one defeat in their last 12, including two successive wins means they have moved clear of the drop zone. The Flying Donkeys were minus the services of Makinwa, Moro, Frey, and Kerlon. Sergio Pellissier and Erjon Bogdani launched the attack.

First Half

Juventus had the first opportunity of the game as Del Piero latched onto Hasan Salihamidzic’s pass but delayed his shot and was crowded out by Santiago Morero.

Chievo’s maiden chance arrived on 11 minutes, as Pellissier raced onto a clever free kick and lobbed the ball over the bar.

Del Piero fired a free kick over, while Molinaro blazed high, wide and not very handsome from 25 yards.

Juve received a blow midway through the half, as Salihamidizic was forced off injured with a problem to his right knee. Camoranesi replaced him.

A minute later Chievo caused a sensation by taking the lead. Pellissier raced onto the end of a long ball, rounded Gianluigi Buffon, and then slotted into an empty net.

It did not take long for Juve to hit back though, and they were back on level terms on 33 minutes. Camoranesi produced a moment of magic to backheel the ball, and Giorgio Chiellini volleyed a rocket on the turn that thundered in off the underside of the crossbar.

Juventus were buoyed by their equaliser and pushed forward looking for a second. However, completely against the run of play, Chievo regained the lead just before half time. Again, Pellissier caught Mellberg and Chiellini sleeping, and slotted into the bottom corner past Buffon.

Second Half

Claudio Ranieri made a double change at half time. Jonathan Zebina and David Trezeguet were introduced for Grygera and Del Piero.

Iaquinta tested Sorrentino with a long-range free kick, but on 51 minutes Juventus were back level again. Molinaro’s cross from the left was headed back across goal by Camoranesi, and went in off the unclucky Mantovani.

Juve then missed three chances in quick succession to score again. Sorrentino produced two brilliant saves from Iaquinta and Trezeguet, while the Frenchman also fired inches wide.

Juve were a totally different team after the break, and Chiellini also twice went close, heading agonizingly wide from six yards with his second chance.

Trezeguet thumped over from Camoranesi’s pass, Marchisio’s penalty appeals were waved away, but Juve finally found the third goal on 78 minutes. Camoranesi provided his third assist of the game, teasing his man and chipping the ball up to the far post for Iaquinta to head home.

Juventus looked set to hold on for three crucial points, but in injury time Pellissier grabbed a point for Chievo. Langella raced down the left and lobbed the ball up to Pellissier to head home and complete a stunning hat-trick.

Juventus’ Scudetto hopes are now surely over, as they are six points behind Inter, who have a game in hand against Udinese later this evening.

Teams

Juventus: Buffon; Grygera (Zebina 46), Mellberg, Chiellini, Molinaro; Salihamidzic (Camoranesi 23), Marchisio, Tiago, Giovinco; Iaquinta, Del Piero (Trezeguet 46)

Chievo: Sorrentino; Sardo (Mandelli 69), Morero, Yepes, Mantovani; Luciano, Rigoni, Marcolini (Langella 80), Pinzi; Pellissier, Bogdani (Esposito 65)

Goals

Pellissier 25 (C)
Chiellini 33 (J)
Pellissier 43 (C)
Mantovani o.g 53 (J)
Iaquinta 78 (J)
Pellissier 90 (C)