Frosinone held on with gritted teeth but Juventus finally pierced through that strong defence, grabbing a 2-0 victory to make it five wins out of five.
It was clear from the start that the home side had no intention of playing football. Registering 72% possession and attempting 30 shots on goal, Juventus simply spent their time launching attack after attack but couldn’t find their way through against a stubborn defence.
Uncharacteristically sloppy and wasteful in possession, the Bianconeri were slow and muted in their movements. The substitutions in the second half lifted their spirits and injected a little dynamism resulting in two goals in the final 10 minutes of the game.
Positives
After his sending off in the Champions League, it was good to see the squad support Ronaldo and for him to score a goal to keep him feeling happy. He was relentless on the pitch tonight, never giving up on securing the goal and pushing forward incessantly until he broke though. Mentally and physically he’s the difference maker.
Negatives
They’ve won five out of five in Serie A, secured their first European victory and look unstoppable. Little to complain about.
Manager rating out of 10
7 — Massimiliano Allegri once again did what he needed to do to collect the points. By placing Emre Can ahead of the defence, he freed the midfielders alongside him while his decision to bring on Bernardeschi changed the game and secured the victory. His substitutions and his decisions guarantee success, almost always.
Player ratings (1-10; 10=best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating):
GK Wojciech Szczesny, 6 — Didn’t have anything to do.
DF Juan Cuadrado, 5 — Squandered possession and chances for goal, sloppy. He was alert defensively but not good enough overall.
DF Daniele Rugani, 6 — Annoying when in the first two minutes of the game he blocked his opponent and conceded a needless foul. Had little to do thereafter but anticipated the opponent well.
DF Giorgio Chiellini, 6 — Great as always but he had little to do defensively. Allowed to push up and looked for ways to provide support.
DF Alex Sandro, 5 — Wasteful in possession and inaccurate with the crosses he delivered into the box even if he pushed forward consistently. Went for personal glory at times when he ought to have rethought his decisions. At least he came close to making a vital contribution for goal at the end.
MF Emre Can, 6 — The right player to have covering the defence in these games to allow the others to join the attack and play with freedom. Recovered possession, played with tenacity and kept Juve moving.
MF Miralem Pjanic, 6 — Allowed to push and play with more freedom, if only he played with a little more dynamism. However, he looked for ways to pierce the defence and created the chance for goals. Great little run at the end.
MF Rodrigo Bentancur, 5 — Should have made more of his opportunity. Lacked composure, failed to show real desire and simply struggled to make an impact. Received a silly yellow card too.
FW Paulo Dybala, 5 — His troubles are hard to watch as he’s capable of so much more but he has to improve, to commit to improving physically and to find ways to make an impact in both open and tight games. He has the talent, it’s about finding a way of utilising it well and not getting bogged down in the small spaces. Did the most with what he could and at least drew out fouls.
FW Mario Mandzukic, 6 — He’s clearly tired from all the matches he’s played for both club and country but he’s always there. Always trying to win the ball, always trying to support the team.
FW Cristiano Ronaldo, 7 — Struggled to find a way through but his name alone attracts defenders and creates space for others who struggled to exploit it effectively. However, he never gave up and continued pushing the team mentally, searching endlessly for the goal. The substitutes changed the dynamic around him and he capitalised, scoring the opening goal.
Substitutes:
FW Federico Bernardeschi, 8 — What a fantastic player he’s turning out to be. A difference maker his exquisite technique and energy raised the level of play in the final third, allowing Juve to be more dangerous in their attacking play. Dynamic and intelligent, his goal was well deserved.
DF João Cancelo, 6 — Came on and increased the energy levels. Always looking for ways to push forward and provide contributions to the attacking line.
MF Blaise Matuidi, N/A — Came on too late to make a difference.
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