Former bricklayer Federico Gatti, who once worked as a bricklayer and played soccer only at night, has steered Juventus to a 1-0 win over Napoli in the Serie A.
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Now taking over from Giorgio Chiellini as the physical presence in Juventus's defence, the 1.90-metre Gatti used his body to maximum effect to head in the only goal in Friday's victory over defending Serie A champions Napoli.
Rising to meet a cross from Andrea Cambiaso, Gatti muscled his way over Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Amir Rrahmani to redirect the ball into the far corner.
It was Gatti's third goal this season - more than any other defender in the Italian league. He also scored a late winner in a 2-1 win at Monza a week ago.
"Federico is an example for all of us," Juventus captain Danilo said. "He went through some tough times but he remained strong."
Juventus took the lead in Serie A by one point over Inter Milan, who hosts Udinese on Saturday.
Napoli, who haven't scored in three of their last four Serie A matches to drop 12 points, are in fifth.
Including a defeat at Real Madrid in the Champions League, Napoli have won one match and lost three since Walter Mazzarri replaced Rudi Garcia as coach of the Partenopei.
Napoli dribbling wizard Khvicha Kvaratskhelia inexplicably missed an open look at the goal in the first half.
Having hit the post earlier, Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic exited with an apparent injury later in the second half.
Australian Associated Press
