Fabio Quagliarella was an unexpected starter in Saturday's Derby d'Italia, but it was his stunning opener that inspired Juventus to a 2-1 win at Inter Milan.
The Bianconeri were eager to avenge November's 3-1 home defeat to Inter which saw their unbeaten run ended one game shy of 50, and Quagliarella drew first blood after just three minutes.
The 30-year-old picked up possession some 25 yards out following a wonderful dummy from strike partner Alessandro Matri.
Quagliarella accepted the ball on the swivel, turned himself toward goal and curled a wonderful effort under the bar with Samir Handanovič watching it go by.
Inter dominated for long spells but, despite Rodrigo Palacio's 55th-minute equalizer, they could not break down a resilient Juventus defense after Matri found a winner 30 minutes from time.
"The goal was instinctive," Quagliarella told the media after the game.
"I trapped the ball, saw that I had space and so I aimed for goal.
"I'm very happy, as it's wonderful to break the deadlock against such a big team."
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| Inter Milan goalkeeper Samir Handanovič is unable to save a goal from Fabio Quagliarella Photo: Getty Images |
The Bianconeri were eager to avenge November's 3-1 home defeat to Inter which saw their unbeaten run ended one game shy of 50, and Quagliarella drew first blood after just three minutes.
The 30-year-old picked up possession some 25 yards out following a wonderful dummy from strike partner Alessandro Matri.
Quagliarella accepted the ball on the swivel, turned himself toward goal and curled a wonderful effort under the bar with Samir Handanovič watching it go by.
Inter dominated for long spells but, despite Rodrigo Palacio's 55th-minute equalizer, they could not break down a resilient Juventus defense after Matri found a winner 30 minutes from time.
"The goal was instinctive," Quagliarella told the media after the game.
"I trapped the ball, saw that I had space and so I aimed for goal.
"I'm very happy, as it's wonderful to break the deadlock against such a big team."
