Federico Chiesa and Cristiano Ronaldo were on target as Juventus came back from a goal down to play out a 2-2 draw against Torino in the Derby della Mole.
Juventus, coming into the game on the back of a shock defeat to Benevento, made a positive start against Torino, with Alvaro Morata drawing a save from Salvatore Sirigu just two minutes in before Federico Chiesa put them in front in the 13th minute after a neat exchange with the Spaniard.
But, Torino hit back in less than fifteen minutes as Antonio Sanabria made it 1-1, heading home the rebound after Rolando Mandragora’s initial effort was parried into his path by Wojciech Szczesny. Moments into the second period, Sanabria was on target once again, capitalising on a poor pass from Dejan Kulusevski before finding the back of the net.
Juventus started putting pressure on the hosts with Cristiano Ronaldo forcing Sirigu into a couple of good saves while Chiesa had an effort deflected wide. With under fifteen minutes left, the Portuguese put the ball into the back of the net only to see the offside flag go up. However, VAR intervened to award the goal as Juventus pulled back on level terms.
The Bianconeri pushed in search of a winner as Rodrigo Bentancur’s deflected effort hit the woodwork while Ronaldo had another header saved by Sirigu. Torino also had a couple of chances to win it late in stoppage time, but Szczesny was alert to deny Sanabria and Daniele Baselli as the game petered out a 2-2 draw.
Another game wherein Andrea Pirlo’s men were just not good enough as they fall further behind league leaders Inter Milan. Here’s how we rated the performances of the Juventus stars on the evening.
Wojciech Szczesny: 5/10
A poor game for Szczesny, who was culpable for Sanabria’s equaliser as he was not able to divert Mandragora’s effort away from the danger area. Got a hand to the Torino striker’s second goal but could not stop it, when he should have done better. Did make a couple of sharp stops late on to preserve a point for his team though but was one of the reasons why his team found themselves in such a position.
Kulusevski obviously hasn't learned his lesson on the dangers of the blind, off-balanced back passes.
But Szczesny is just off it. He's had something of a nightmarish match thus far.
Simply can't concede from that angle.
— Inconvenient Truth (@ITruth98) April 3, 2021
Juan Cuadrado: 6/10
Back into the starting XI, the Colombian slotted in at right-back from where he provided a constant attacking outlet. Delivered three key passes, including one just before half-time leading to a chance for Morata which was saved. Grew frustrated as the game wore on and was lucky to escape with just a yellow for a reckless challenge on Simone Verdi.
Matthijs de Ligt: 6/10
Made a brilliant challenge early in the game to deny Andrea Belotti a clear sight at goal. But, he was shaken off too easily by Sanabria for Torino’s second goal after the restart. A solid presence otherwise, producing three clearances, interceptions and tackles each.
Giorgio Chiellini: 6/10
The Juventus captain started alongside de Ligt in the absence of Leonardo Bonucci and Merih Demiral. Was not always convincing at the back but did offer an imposing presence in the air, winning five aerial battles. Got the assist for the all-important equaliser in the second half.
Alex Sandro: 6.5/10
Back to full fitness and starting at left-back, the Brazilian produced a good block to stop Tomas Rincon’s shot in the first half. Made a few driving runs forward and hit in a couple of dangerous crosses, playing two key passes in total. Not at his best, but a steady display nonetheless.
Dejan Kulusevski: 4/10
Dejan Kulusevski made just 13 touches and attempted 10 passes during the first half against Torino. The Fewest on the pitch.
— Forza Juventus (@ForzaJuveEN) April 3, 2021
After a near anonymous first half, the Swede gave away the ball with a sloppy pass, allowing Sanabria to pounce and score the second goal for Torino early in the second period. Offered very little in terms of attacking contributions, apart from one good cross that led to a chance for Ronaldo soon after Torino’s second. Poor.
Danilo: 6/10
Handed a start in the middle of the park, the full-back was not shy of doing the dirty work, producing a few clearances and an interception. Fairly accurate with his passing although did not offer that cutting edge which Juventus needed to carve out openings regularly.
Rodrigo Bentancur: 6/10
Much like his partner in midfield, Bentancur, too, lacked that bit of guile and quality on the ball to do Torino any harm. Was diligent in his defensive duties for the most part, however. Came close to winning it for Juventus late on, but his deflected strike bounced off the post.
Federico Chiesa: 7/10
?38 Games
?13 Goals
?️10 Assists?Just how good is Federico Chiesa! pic.twitter.com/ZTUbIoy7YM
— SPORF (@Sporf) April 3, 2021
The brightest player on the pitch for Juventus in the first half as he took the game to Torino. Linked up beautifully with Morata before opening the scoring and had another couple of chances. Influence waned somewhat after the break, though, with Torino setting up camp deep in their own half.
Alvaro Morata: 6/10
Looked up for it in the early exchanges, forcing Sirigu into a save before setting Chiesa up for the opener. Had another effort saved close to half-time. Hardly had any notable involvement after the half-time break, though. Did finish with three key passes, however.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 6.5/10
A frustrating first half for the Portuguese who often ended up coming too deep to try and get on the ball to make things happen. Looked a huge threat after the break, forcing Sirigu into several saves before salvaging a point for his team. Also played a game-high four key passes, but could have done better with a couple of his chances.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more Serie A goals than any other player since he made his debut in the competition (76).
No other Juventus player has scored more than 20 in that time. ? pic.twitter.com/3oFk3g3EQg
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 3, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Federico Bernardeschi: 5/10
Replaced Kulusevski for the final twenty minutes or so. Booked for a dive in the penalty area.
Aaron Ramsey: 5/10
On for Danilo in the 71st minute. Added some attacking impetus from midfield but not enough to take Juventus across the finish line.
Adrien Rabiot: N/A
Late substitute for Sandro.
