Paulo Dybala was impressive while Cristiano Ronaldo delivered late on as Juventus beat Genoa 3-1 at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium on Sunday.
The first half was a largely drab affair, with chances flowing few and far between, even as Juventus dominated the proceedings. The Bianconeri started piling on the pressure post the interval and were ahead just 12 minutes into the second period when Paulo Dybala produced a fine finish to make it 1-0.
Shortly after, though, Genoa restored parity through former Juventus man Stefano Sturaro, who converted Luca Pellegrini’s deep cross from close range. Thereafter, the visitors intently pushed forward in search of their second but were constantly denied by an inspired Mattia Perin and a couple of offside calls.
However, Juventus finally managed to put the game to bed courtesy two late penalties, each scored by Cristiano Ronaldo, as they claimed back-to-back wins in Serie A for the first time this season. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Andrea Pirlo’s men.
Wojciech Szczesny: 6/10
There was not a lot that Szczesny had to do on the night, with Genoa hardly posing a threat. The Juventus no. 1, though, could not have done anything to deny Stefano Sturaro for the hosts’ only goal. Otherwise, it was a largely comfortable evening for the Pole, who also completed 96 per cent of his passes.
Juan Cuadrado: 7/10
Cuadrado has enjoyed a fine season so far and on Sunday, the Colombian was in his elements once again. The 32-year-old delivered a couple of key passes and won the first penalty that Cristiano Ronaldo scored. On the defensive front, he was largely solid, winning 7 duels in addition to 5 tackles.
Matthijs de Ligt: 7/10
With Cuadrado often seen bombarding the right flank, de Ligt had to cover a lot of ground in behind the Colombian, which he did with aplomb. The Dutchman was hardly troubled as he won 5 duels and completed a couple of crucial interceptions as well. Extremely accurate with the ball at his feet, misplacing just 4 passes all game.
Leonardo Bonucci: 7/10
Much like his central defensive partner, the Juventus skipper was largely solid whenever Genoa did look to create some opening. Bonucci made 4 interceptions and won each of his duels in the air. Also precise with the ball at his feet, he completed 92 per cent of his passes.
Alex Sandro: 6/10
One of the poorer performers on the night for Juventus, who failed to keep track of Sturaro for the only goal that Genoa scored. Otherwise, he was not tested much, although he hardly charged forward, which was a bit odd, to say the least. Room for improvement.
Weston McKennie: 7/10
Mckennie stats vs Genoa
▪61 Touches
▪— 84.6% Accurate passes
▪4/6 Aerial duels won
▪3/9 Ground duels won
▪️2/2 Long balls won
▪1/2 Tackles won
▪1 Interception
▪4 Chances created
▪️3 Key passes
▪1 AssistTaking his chances. pic.twitter.com/xTjJLYOvBR
— Nisrin (@Nisrin_Juve) December 13, 2020
McKennie has been a revelation since he joined Juventus and his performance on Sunday was another step in the right direction for a player who ought to be bought permanently. The 22-year-old was a constant outlet on the right flank, combining superbly with Cuadrado. Created as many as 3 chances and also grabbed the assist for Paulo Dybala’s goal. In the form of his life.
Adrien Rabiot: 6/10
A night when Rabiot was not quite at his best. While the Frenchman hardly misplaced a pass (just 4 of 28), he could not manage to get involved during build-up play as much as he would have liked. Did put a shift in off the ball, however, with 4 interceptions and 3 tackles.
Rodrigo Bentancur: 6/10
It was a perplexing decision by Pirlo to field two defensive-minded midfielders together on the pitch when Juventus needed more from their build-ups. Nevertheless, on a personal level, Bentancur was largely solid off the ball (5 interceptions, 2 tackles won), even though he did not have the goods to contribute to the visitors’ moves.
Federico Chiesa: 6.5/10
Chiesa produced a purposeful performance on the left flank, combining well with Ronaldo for the most part and constantly looking to take on a Genoa defender. The Italian international created as many as 3 chances in the game and on another day, he could have grabbed a pair of assists. Just was not to be for him on the day.
Paulo Dybala: 8/10
Dybala provided 3 key passes during the first half, More than any other player on the pitch. pic.twitter.com/A7DZY6RFfN
— Forza Juventus (@ForzaJuveEN) December 13, 2020
The standout player for Juventus on the night. Dybala was top class with his finish, which was right out the top drawer and earned him his first Serie A goal of the season. Otherwise, the Argentine was constantly in the thick of the action and looked like Juventus’s best prospect to make a difference, finishing the game with the most key passes (4) as well.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 7/10
A frustrating evening for the most part for Ronaldo before he ended it with two goals. Till the final 15 minutes, though, it was a game wherein nothing Ronaldo tried clicked. Nevertheless, he made no error whatsoever in converting from the spot twice and add to his tally. Some way to celebrate his 100th game for Juventus.
Cristiano Ronaldo marks ? games for Juventus by burying a pair of penalties. ??
? 100 games
⚽️ 79 goals#UCL #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/08Tdz6G4lm— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 13, 2020
SUBSTITUTES
Alvaro Morata: 6/10
On for Rabiot, Morata helped push Juventus forward in the final quarter of the game, when they were desperate for a goal. The Spaniard, however, did not see a lot of the ball, although he did win the second penalty that Ronaldo converted.
Dejan Kulusevski: N/A
On for Dybala, Kulusevski hardly had time to make an impact.
Federico Bernardeschi: N/A
On for Chiesa, Bernardeschi managed just 4 touches on the ball.
Radu Dragusin: N/A
A late introduction, Dragusin helped see the game out.
