Juventus drew 0-0 with Roma to earn the point they needed to win yet another Scudetto, their seventh in a row.
Roma started the match demonstrating more ambition, but alongside their opponents they produced little in the way of clear-cut chances and thrills to entertain the masses. In a game played at a slow pace, the Giallorossi had a man sent off, yet that still failed to inspire a more determined attacking performance from Juventus.
A point was all the Old Lady needed, and a point was all she played for to secure the title and celebrate into the night. Fourteen trophies in the last seven seasons, Juventus continue to be a force to be reckoned with in Italy.
Positives
What more can we say about a side that have been crowned Serie A champions for the seventh consecutive year and managed 22 clean sheets this season. They haven’t been perfect and they haven’t always impressed, but they always get the job done, and that’s all we can ask of Massimiliano Allegri and his men.
Negatives
Considering Radja Nainggolan was sent off, it would have been nice for Juve to win the trophy by securing a win rather than just a draw. But let’s not complain too much.
Manager rating out of 10
7 — It’s proven difficult for Allegri to motivate his squad to produce a determined performance when Juve only needed a point from their last two matches of the season to secure the trophy. With his players thinking only of their celebrations, they produced enough to secure the draw and make history. Another trophy and another double for Juve’s dazzling tactician.
Player ratings (1-10; 10=best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Wojciech Szczesny, 6 — Alert and committed but barely had to contend with much. His defence ensured protection.
DF Mattia De Sciglio, 6 — Struggled in moments at the start of the match but recovered his composure, producing a good solid display.
DF Daniele Rugani, 6 — Silly mistakes, conceded possession and handed Roma opportunities, but eventually wised up to perform in more concentrated fashion, silencing Edin Dzeko. He has a lot of work to do ahead of the new season if he’s hoping for more game time.
DF Andrea Barzagli, 7 — Captain on the day, the 37-year-old defender proved to be one of the best on the field, halting Roma and positioning himself beautifully to demonstrate his intellect and experience. Still the man Juve can rely on.
DF Alex Sandro, 6 — Started poorly, struggling with his duels, but improved for the second half, fighting to ensure solidity at the back and strength going forward.
MF Miralem Pjanic, 5 — Disappointing, despite his enormous talent, Pjanic struggled frequently this season and especially against strong opponents. One wonders how suited he is to play for a side that is expected to dominate every match. He simply wilts under pressure and conceded possession cheaply in this one. So much more is expected of a player who is supposed to ensure Juve control the midfield, not disappoint in every big game.
MF Blaise Matuidi, 5 — Didn’t offer any real value to the midfield when on the ball.
FW Federico Bernardeschi, 6 — This was a good opportunity to prove himself but Juve weren’t at their very best to help him express himself. However, he positioned himself well, always looked to create and provided defensive cover.
FW Paulo Dybala, 6 — Fought for possession, tried to outwit his opponent and showed flashes of brilliance, but his team weren’t able to provide him with much support and he didn’t offer enough to prove decisive. Had his goal disallowed.
FW Mario Mandzukic, 5 — Certainly not at his determined best today. Barely tried to get involved, seemed uninterested in participating in attacking moves.
FW Gonzalo Higuain, 5 — Tried to combine with Dybala but struggled to pierce through Roma’s defending. Seemed frustrated for most of the match.
Substitutes
FW Douglas Costa, 6 — Came on to provide the energy, but Juve weren’t in the mood to produce a spirited performance at that point.
MF Rodrigo Bentancur, N/A — Didn’t have enough time to make an impact.
Mina Rzouki covers Juventus and the Italian national team for ESPN FC. Follow her on Twitter: @Minarzouki.
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