Hellas Verona 2 - 1 Juventus: Five talking points from the weekend's action

Spectacular comeback against the reigning champions propels Hellas towards Europe.

Standing room only at the Bentegodi

#1. Towards Europe. As the dust settles on the weekend's action (which also featured a thrilling Milan derby, as well as defeats for Napoli, Roma and Fiorentina), Verona emerge to find themselves in 6th place and in poll position for the much coveted Europa qualification place. Remember, Hellas finished 5th in Serie B last season and were only promoted following a spirited play-off campaign. At the start of the current season, Hellas were widely tipped as favourites to go down! That European football next season is even a possibility is a remarkable turnaround that no-one saw coming. 

#2. A Juric masterclass. Credit for Verona's turnaround this season rests squarely with Ivan Juric, and it was yet another masterclass from the Croat at the Bentegodi on Saturday night. Tactically astute and supremely well-organised, it was yet another positive performance by Verona, Juric has secured 5 points in 6 days, remarkable when you consider the opponents - Milan (A), Lazio (A) and Juventus (H).  

#3. Victory with personality. There was a certain sense of resignation when Kumbulla's goal (scored on the young defender's 20th birthday) was chalked off for a marginal offside. As so often in the past, the cards seemed to be stacked in favour of the Turin giants. So, when Ronaldo scored the opener on 65 minutes, lesser sides may have folded. Not Hellas though. Not tonight. Borini's equaliser ten minutes later was no less than Verona deserved and the 86th minute penalty was just reward for a performance of character, quality and personality.

#4. Super Pazzini. Cometh the hour cometh the man. Thrown on with 20 minutes to go when Verona were chasing the game, there are few players you'd want more than Giampaolo Pazzini for a late penalty against the reigning champions. Nerves of steel and a killer technique, Pazzini has scored 23 of the 24 penalties he's taken in Serie A. This was his 50th goal for Hellas and he's already a fan's favourited. His 50th goal for the clubs elevate him to the rank of legend alongside the likes of Toni, Elkjær and Zigoni.

#5. Fortress Bentegodi. The last couple of home games have seen the Bentegodi return to something approaching its 1980s glory days. With a sell out crowd of 28,654, there were just a few empty seats in upper and lower tiers of this proud old stadium. While the capacity crowd may have caused some logistical problems (large queues to enter the stadium and to use the toilets), few had any complaints at the end of a magical evening at the Bentegodi.

​Verona now face Udinese (A), Cagliari (H) and Samp (A) before hosting Napoli on 8 March. On current form, these are all fixtures that Hellas can expect to take something from.

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