PLAYER RATINGS: JUVENTUS 2-1 NAPOLI
In what might be the pivotal moment of Andrea Pirlo’s young coaching career, Il Maestro was able to withstand the pressure and come out on top of the Detroit of Italy with a 2-1 victory. Federico Chiesa continues to look like the next great Italian Juventus player and the focal point for the club moving forward. And quite possibly a most perfectly timed return to play with Paulo Dybala scoring within minutes of entering onto the field, breathing new life into the talk and interest surrounding his contract negotiations with the club.
Notice: All ratings are calculated through a stringent process utilizing statistics and the eye test called My Opinion and are most certainly incorrect.
Starters
Gianluigi Buffon - 7
Fair or not, it is my belief that Buffon gives the club a better sense of energy and defensive urgency under his direction between the posts than is seen when Szczesny starts at the 1. Buffon had a solid save on a direct shot in the 70’ by Napoli’s Fabian Ruiz. In an unfortunate turn of events, the Italian was unable to save the penalty kick from Lorenzo Insigne that was generously awarded following the no calls on inarguable penalties against the home club. Buffon contributed three saves, one punch, two saves from inside the box, five accurate long balls, and one clearance.
Danilo Luiz da Silva - 6.5
Reports of Danilo suffering an injury and being removed from the starting squad pre-match for the likes of Aaron Ramsey appear to have been premature. The Brazilian played the full match and gave a solid performance for a defense that held the Napoli attack scoreless outside of gift penalties from the FIGC. Danilo contributed one clearance, three interceptions, three ground duels won, two key passes, one accurate long ball, one big chance created, and two successful dribbles.
Matthijs De Ligt - 6.5
The defense as a group was able to have a quietly solid performance throughout the match and can be overlooked as so, but not to be forgotten the Dutch defender saved some late game heroics for the final minute of the match when he shut down a dangerous Napoli shot that could have potentially faltered into another gut wrenching draw. De Ligt contributed three clearances, one blocked shot, one tackle, two ground duels own, three accurate long balls, and one successful dribble.
Giorgio Chiellini - 6
The Italian captained a solid defensive performance for the club, but was victim of one questionable mistake. Chiellini was the subject of a horrifically poor penalty awarded to Napoli following contact with Osimhen with the Italian defender’s knee. Allowing Insigne to score Napoli’s only goal of the match on a penalty kick. Further exemplifying the farce that is FIGC refereeing. Chiellini contributed eight clearances, one blocked shot, one interception, one ground duel won, one aerial duel won, two accurate long balls, and one penalty committed.
Alex Sandro - 6
The Brazilian delivered a commendable performance, void of his typical one egregious error a match, while padding that stat sheet. Sandro contributed three clearances, one blocked shot, five interceptions, four tackles, five ground duels won, two aerial duels won, one accurate cross, five accurate long balls, and one successful dribble.
Juan Cuadrado - 6
The Colombian struggled to find an opening and deliver one of his patented laser accurate crosses for an assist, but bolstered a midfield that was serviceable to get the job one. Cuadrado had a solid shot on goal saved midway through the first half that would have helped double the lead for the home team. Cuadrado contributed two key passes, one accurate cross, four accurate long balls, one shot on target, one shot off target, two successful dribbles, five ground duels won, and one tackle.