Coaches see red as Juve draws again in Turin derby
Juventus was held to a 1-1 draw at Torino in Serie A as Nikola Vlasic cancelled out Kenan Yildiz's opener in a heated Derby Della Mole that saw both coaches sent off.
Yildiz put Juventus in front in the eighth minute with a low shot from outside the box, having received the ball from fellow youngster Nicolo Savona before driving inside.
However, Juventus was unable to build on its advantage and Vlasic levelled in first-half stoppage-time, firing a powerful strike in off the upright.
Coaches Paolo Vanoli and Thiago Motta were both sent off early in the second half as Savona's challenge on Yann Karamoh just outside Juve's box led to a scuffle.
Juve went closest to a winner when Vanja Milinkovic-Savic made a fine save to deny Bianconeri attacker Nico Gonzalez. Indeed Milinkovic-Savic was key to Torino earning its point as he made eight saves throughout the match.
While it remains unbeaten in Serie A this season, the Juve has now drawn 12 of its 19 games.
It remains fifth on the standings with 33 points, while Torino is 11th with 22, having played one game more than its neighbour.
Juventus has become just the second team to draw at least 12 of its opening 19 matches of a Serie A season in the three-points-for-a-win era, after Inter Milan in 2004-2005, which ended its run after 13 draws.
Motta is growing increasingly frustrated with his team's inability to turn draws into wins.
"We started well, but after taking the lead we dropped too deep, allowing them to create chances. We could have been more aggressive or avoided letting them reach that dangerous area," he said after the match.
"We can do better from the point of view of aggressiveness. We didn't finish in the right way to win the game. We [have] talked about this situation.
"Definitely too many draws, especially after leading games. With a young squad and some injuries. Never an excuse, we’ve lost only two matches in all competitions."
A depleted Juventus faced its city rival without striker Dusan Vlahovic, who was sidelined with injury.
Douglas Luiz did make his return from injury, however. The Brazil international, who joined Juve from Aston Villa last year, has been linked with a move away from the club this month, but Motta was impressed by his display.
"He played very well, I'm very happy with his performance," Motta said.
"We need as many fit players in the squad as possible."
Matters do not get easier for Juve, which faces Atalanta next before taking on AC Milan, two top six battles that could prove crucial in where all three end up come the end of the season.
