Way too Early Player Ratings: Derby D’Italia: Coppa Italia -Semi Final - First Leg

Bring on February. This will be a season defining month. All three cup competitions to be played and it starts off with a Semi Final First Leg in the Coppa Italia against our bitter rivals, Inter.

Buffon 5.5 - SuperGigi gets in between the sticks again and while we may not see a classic game from Buffon, he will be alright. 4 saves.

Danilo 6 - for players like Danilo, the less we hear about him the better. It means he is doing his job. Look for him to solidify the right side against Martinez, Young/Perisic. 3 interceptions and 4 tackles won.

De Ligt 6.5 - Mattijs is a new age Chiellini. The young Dutchman will eat Martinez up. I think we will see a classic defensive gem from De Ligt. He’ll make 8 tackles and have 4 interceptions.

Cuadrado 6.5 - one of the main players who didn’t play inter the first time. Cuadrado is a threat to beat his man every time he has the ball. He will complete 2 crosses and have a strong defensive game.

Bentancur 6 - he’ll have Arthur beside him this time around and it’s a blessing for Rodrigo. Bentancur can focus on himself and not have to do more than he thinks he should. He can rely on Arthur. The Uruguayan will complete 96% of his passes have 1 key pass and be a defensive force.

Arthur 6.5 - I think Arthur, Bentancur and McKennie will be able to keep up with Inters midfield of Barella, Brozovic and Vidal. Arthur will dictate play and have 3 key passes along with 3 tackles won.

Alex Sandro 6 - most likely will be up against Hakimi who was very good against us and poor young Frabotta. Sandro’s experience will help nullify Hakimi or at least keep him quieter. I’m expecting nothing going forward at this point.

McKennie 6.5 - Texas Boy is gonna have himself a game. He’ll have an assist and be all over the pitch. It seems as though he is transforming into a big game player (Marchisio).

Kulusevski 5.5 - the young Swede is gonna have a tough night against a decent set of defenders. Look for him to be subbed out around 60 mins (if healthy).

Ronaldo 6 - our expectations can’t be what they were when CR7 was scoring for fun. We have to know he is aging. He won’t contribute much to the game. Now I say this he’s gonna score a goal and create scoring chances. However, I won’t hold my breath.

Pirlo 6 - I get Pirlo is trying to win as much as possible but we’re in a pickle in the league. There are many games this month. Maybe those midfielders should rest for Roma.

Juventus 1-1 Inter

Goals:

Morata* will come on and score (watch this space)