PLAYER RATINGS: JUVENTUS 3-1 LAZIO
The Bianconeri defeated the Biancocolesti with a thrilling come-from-behind win following a 1-0 deficit at home. Kulusevski put the club behind a goal early, until Rabiot heroics leveled the match before halftime. A couple of Morata goals allowed the club to cruise to a 3-1 victory and remain in third place with one point behind AC Milan.
Notice: All ratings are calculated through a stringent process utilizing statistics and the eye test called My Opinion and are most certainly incorrect.
Starters
Wojciech Szczesny - 6
Szczesny was the unfortunate recipient of an early score on an early blunder and lazy pass from Kulusevski that was easily taken away by Correa and completed for the goal in the 14’. Tek saved a shot on goal in the 22’ and collected another dangerous ball in the 44’. Overall the Polish keeper gave a more than serviceable performance, one that could have retained a clean sheet if not for the Kulu breakdown. Szczesny contributed three saves, one successful run out, one high claim, and four accurate long balls.
Juan Cuadrado - 6
Following another out-of-action stretch for the Columbian, it was a sight for sore eyes to see him get back out onto the field and have another offensive creator in the group. While Cuadrado was far from perfect and unable to deliver one of his patented goal-scoring crosses, it was good to see him attempt to work his way back into form. Cuadrado contributed one interception, one tackle, one error that led to a shot, five ground duels won, four accurate long balls, and three successful dribbles. Juan Cuadrado was substituted out for Arthur Melo in the 70’.
Danilo Luiz da Silva - 6
While the club’s Twitter account showed the Brazilian starting from the defense, the player instead was positioned as a midfielder. Which normally I would call the decision perplexing, but as this season has unfolded less and fewer surprises me. The Brazilian was quietly productive throughout the match, though I am uncertain how often his place should be in the midfield. Danilo contributed six accurate long balls, one successful dribble, five ground duels won, one clearance, one blocked shot, eight interceptions, and four tackles.
Merih Demiral - 6
Admiral did Demiral things and the most hilarious and potentially over-the-top tackle on the ball in the 73’ when he took Ciro Immobile out and stopped the Italian international’s forward progress. The Turkish defender notably failed to win any ground duels or aerial duels. Admiral contributed five clearances, one blocked shot, four interceptions, and one accurate long ball.
Alex Sandro - 6.5
Alex Sandro was lucky to not be penalized with a red card or even a yellow in the first half when he threw a flagrant elbow against Correa, but that is the kind of refereeing both sides received from Davide Massa in the match we watched today. Sandro contributed three clearances, five interceptions, two tackles, six ground duels won, four aerial duels won, eight accurate long balls, and one successful dribble.
Federico Chiesa - 7
Italian officials are absolutely unbelievable and nowhere was it more apparent than the handball penalty that Chiesa was robbed of in the 25’ and the referee refused to even go back and review the play. Chiesa his workhorse antics on the field and was evident as he did everything he could, moving while losing and regaining possession, in the 49’ to get a shot on goal that was unfortunately saved by Pepe Reina. Chiesa assisted Morata on the lead-taking goal in the 57’ with a well-placed pass and run out. Chiesa contributed one assist, one key pass, two accurate long balls, one big chance created, two shots on target, two successful dribbles, six ground duels won, one offsides, two interceptions, and four tackles. Federico Chiesa was substituted off for Leonardo Bonucci in the 82’.