Just 2 weeks ago Juventus met Lazio in Rome for the Italian Super Cup, dominating the Eagles to the tune of 4-0. Many, including Lazio Manager Vladimir Petkovic wrote it off as nothing, saying it wasn't the real Lazio. After today's debacle, could it be Juventus are that superior?

Juve started the match out in incredible form, as a through ball from Vucinic to Tevez was just caught offsides. This would be a signal of intent from the Italian Champions as they did not let up. Domination of possession and some incredible passing led to two quick Arturo Vidal goals. 

The first, on 13 minutes, saw Pogba on the ball 8m above the box. The French star picked out a Vidal run with a beautiful pass the commentator's could only describe as "something Pirlo, Xavi, or Iniesta would do."

Just 12 minutes later Bonucci decided to showcase his passing abilities, and picked out a Vidal run in the box from midfield, with an inch perfect pass that the Chilean midfielder was able to slip past Marchetti for goal number two. However, Juve's first half domination would quickly come to a close.

Just minutes later a long distance effort by Hernanes would be punched right back into the thick of things by Gigi Buffon, and Miroslav Klose was there to turn it into the net. Lazio would continue to enjoy possession for the remainder of the first half, and Candreva, Lulic, and Hernanes all threatened with long distance shots. When match referee Paolo Tagliavento blew for halftime it felt more like a tie than a Juve lead.

Going into the dressing room Buffon was seen asking his defenders to close down quicker on the Lazio midfield, which enjoyed room outside the box to get off shots. It was still anyone's match to win. 

Conte however, had other ideas. What he said to the Turin-based side at halftime I have no idea, but whatever it was worked as after Lazio came out with possession, another sublime Bonucci pass picked out Vucinic deep in the box. He was able to roll it into the far corner of the net, and that was all she wrote. The rest of the half was fairly back and forth, but Juventus never looked like losing. 

63 minutes into the match the already carded Hernanes foolishly handled the ball out of play, and obvious as it was Tagliavento had no choice but to send the brazilian playmaker off. It took just 9 minutes for the next legitimate chance as some very nice link-up play saw a give and go between Vidal and Tevez end up with a curling effort which cannoned back off the post for the latter. It was a sign of things to come. 

With 10 minutes left in the match Tevez finally got his name on the score sheet as he received the ball at the top of the box, started left, cut back right and curled one into the bottom corner. It was every inch the bit of play Juventus have been missing over the years. Tevez's celebration saw him sprinting across the field revealing a "Fuerte Apache" undershirt and a massive grin as the Juve faithful cheered him on. 

Overall Lazio had bright spots in Candreva, Klose, and Hernanes, until the second yellow that is. Candreva was ever a thorn going forwards, and to be completely fair probably deserved a goal for his efforts. Meanwhile Bonucci, Tevez, and Vidal all had fantastic matches for Juve, with Bonucci and Vidal sharing Man of the Match honours. While the performances of those 3 were superb, it was really a total team effort from the bianconeri as Pogba, Pirlo, Lichtsteiner, Vucinic, and even Isla once he came on all showed glimpses of highlight worthy material. 

Lazio next play Chievo on 14/9 while Juve travel to the San Siro to take on Internazionale on the same day. 

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About the author
Anthony Cooper
Fan of Calcio in general, Juventus specifically, and West Virginia University sports here at home. Currently pursuing a Masters of Philosophy, I write on Calcio for Vavel Uk, and Juventus for JuveFC.com. Italian in all but location. You can follow me on twitter @acoop13