The decisive goal
In an extraordinary twist of fate, Manuel Locatelli, now a Juventus midfielder, scored the decisive goal in yesterday's heated Juventus-Milan clash, exactly seven years to the day since he scored a winning goal for Milan in a 1-0 victory over Juventus back in 2016. The match ended 1-0 in favor of Juventus, marking a stunning moment of déjà vu for fans and players alike.
Speaking to DAZN after the game, Locatelli couldn’t hide his amazement at how history had seemingly repeated itself, albeit with him now wearing different colors. “This goal came to mind before the game, not to mention when I managed to score. It was really fate, it was incredible to score on the same day, 7 years later, in a match of the same teams, but now I'm in a different form. I knew it was the same date, we discussed it with my family, I dedicate this to them. Rabiot told me before the match that this time I would score in the right goal," Locatelli reminisced.
The moment was as surreal as it was poignant. Locatelli, once a promising young talent in Milan’s ranks, had come full circle, etching his name in the history books of both prestigious Italian clubs in a way few players ever could. His journey from a Rossoneri hero to a Bianconeri stalwart was complete, and the narrative symmetry of his two decisive goals, scored exactly seven years apart, added an extra layer of incredibility to the occasion.
Locatelli's career trajectory since that fateful goal in 2016 has been nothing short of remarkable. After making a name for himself at Milan, he moved to Sassuolo in 2018, where he further developed his skills and matured as a player. His performances there earned him a move to Juventus in 2021, a testament to his talent and work ethic.
His transition to life in Turin was seamless, with Locatelli quickly becoming a vital cog in the Juventus machine. His ability to control the midfield, coupled with his knack for scoring crucial goals, made him an instant hit with the fans and a trusted lieutenant on the field for manager Massimiliano Allegri.
Locatelli's goal against Milan was a reminder of his enduring quality and his knack for rising to the occasion in big matches. He took his chance with aplomb, showing composure and precision to find the back of the net and secure all three points for his team.
The goal was not just a personal triumph for Locatelli; it also had significant implications in the context of the Serie A title race. Juventus, who had endured a slow start to the season, needed a win against Milan to keep pace with the league leaders and stay in contention for the Scudetto. Locatelli’s goal ensured they did just that, providing a timely boost to their title aspirations.
For Milan, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. They had come into the game with high hopes, aiming to lay down a marker against one of their main rivals for the title. However, they were unable to break down a resolute Juventus defense, and Locatelli’s goal proved to be the difference between the two sides.
The Rossoneri will now have to pick themselves up and regroup, with the season still in its early stages and plenty of football left to be played. However, they will be all too aware of the significance of this defeat and the need to bounce back quickly if they are to stay in the title hunt.
For Juventus, the victory was a statement of intent, a sign that they are still very much a force to be reckoned with in Serie A. With Locatelli pulling the strings in midfield and proving to be a match-winner on the biggest stage, they will be confident of challenging for honours on all fronts this season.
As for Locatelli, the goal was a validation of his decision to move to Turin and a vindication of his talent. He has proven that he belongs at the highest level, and his knack for scoring crucial goals in big matches is a trait that will endear him to the Juventus faithful for years to come.
