Juventus player ratings as goals from Dejan Kulusevski and Federico Chiesa fired them to the Coppa Italia triumph with a 2-1 win over Atalanta on Wednesday.
Coming into the showpiece event, the pressure was firmly on Juventus following a dismal season under Andrea Pirlo. And things did not look good for the Bianconeri at the Mapei Stadium as Atalanta made a positive start to the game. However, Juventus grew into the contest with time and were able to break the deadlock in the 31st minute through Dejan Kulusevski’s curling effort past Pierluigi Gollini.
The lead did not last for long though as Atalanta hit back close to half-time with Ruslan Malinovskyi burying home after being teed up by Hans Hateboer. Post the half-time break, Juventus made a strong start and could have made it 2-1 after some neat interplay between Cristiano Ronaldo and Federico Chiesa but the latter’s effort ended up striking the woodwork.
However, not long after Chiesa found himself at the end of another opportunity fashioned by Kulusevski and he ensured that the ball went into the back of the net to put Juventus in the driver’s seat. Frustrations boiled over in the Atalanta camp towards the end of the camp as they pushed for an equaliser without any luck, with Rafael Toloi, who had been subbed out, getting a red card for his behaviour on the touchline late on.
Andrea Pirlo’s men, though, held their nerve to protect their narrow lead and lift the Coppa Italia for the 14th time, adding some gloss over a forgettable 2020/21 campaign. And here are our Juventus player ratings after a successful outing at the Mapei Stadium.
Gianluigi Buffon: 6/10
Got the nod ahead of regular goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, in what could potentially be his final game for Juventus. Made some decent saves throughout but had no chance against Malinovskyi’s effort.
43-year-old Gigi Buffon lifting the Coppa Italia in what looks like his final match for Juventus ?
Things you love to see ❤️ pic.twitter.com/oRIWU6BpIX
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 19, 2021
Juan Cuadrado: 7/10
Not as influential as he usually is getting forward but put in a massive shift off the ball. Seemed to get away with one after having appeared to foul Robin Gosens in the buildup to the opening goal for Juventus. Worked hard to keep the German quiet as he won eight ground duels and made three tackles.
Matthijs de Ligt: 6/10
Had his problems against the dangerous Duvan Zapata. Booked early in the game which meant he had to be careful for the rest of the contest which he did. Made a huge block in the second half, while completing three tackles and interceptions each.
Giorgio Chiellini: 6/10
Like his defensive partner, picked up a booking in the first half but kept his discipline well. Had some issues in the first half but was solid towards the backend of the game when Juventus were playing to protect their lead. Won five of his six aerial duels and made four clearances.
Danilo: 6/10
Shifted out to left-back due the absence of Alex Sandro, the Brazilian did not always look solid on the night and was partly culpable for the equaliser with a poor pass into a teammate. But recovered well as the game wore on and did his bit to protect Juventus’ lead in the final stages of the contest. Finished with three tackles and eight duels won.
Weston McKennie: 6.5/10
Kulusevski curls it to the corner with ease ?
McKennie picks up the assist! pic.twitter.com/833P5I5amF
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 19, 2021
Worked hard on the right side, making contributions going forward and tracking back. Got the assist for Kulusevski’s opener and played two key passes while also making four tackles and two interceptions. However, there were quite a few occasions when his passing was sloppy. Lost the ball 18 times and posted a pass success-rate of just 67%.
Rodrigo Bentancur: 7/10
Sat deep and did what he does best, breaking up attack after attack that came his way. Made four tackles and four interceptions on the night. On the ball, while he does not offer that incisiveness from midfield, he made sure that he kept it simple and not put his teammates under any unnecessary pressure. Solid, if not spectacular.
Adrien Rabiot: 6/10
Put in the hard yards off the ball and looked to be positive on it. But was at fault for the equaliser, losing the ball to Remo Freuler. Won seven of his ten ground duels, completed three dribbles as well.
Federico Chiesa: 7.5/10
Brilliant play by Chiesa to give Juventus the lead in the Coppa Italia final! ? pic.twitter.com/woykkKPXcV
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 19, 2021
Tried to take on opposition each time he got on the ball and looked a danger. Set up a chance for Kulusevski in the second half right before he struck the woodwork after a neat exchange with Ronaldo. Made no such mistake at the second time of calling rounding off a move he started with a goal to win it for Juventus. Has been one of their best player of the season and stepped up again when needed.
Dejan Kulusevski: 8.5/10
After what has been a largely difficult debut season for the Swede, he rose to the occasion on the big night, against his former club. Great strike to open the scoring and then set Chiesa up with a lovely pass for the match-winning goal. Played in four key passes and was generally a handful to deal with for the Atalanta defence in the right-side half-spaces.
?? Dejan Kulusevski (21) v. Atalanta:
☑️ 83 minutes
⚽️ 1 goal
?️ 1 assist
? 5 chances created
? 41 touches
? 2-1 win
? Coppa Italia champions!A big part of Juve’s and Sweden’s future. ? pic.twitter.com/eTTB8v8DFV
— Football Wonderkids (@fbwonderkids) May 19, 2021
Cristiano Ronaldo: 6/10
The Player to Watch in our match preview, Ronaldo had a largely uneventful night at the Mapei Stadium. Did have some nice moments of link-up play though, with his sensational flick to set Chiesa up for a chance in the second half being the major highlight. Has now won every major trophy he has contested for at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
SUBSTITUTES
Paulo Dybala: N/A
On for Chiesa for the final 15 minutes. Had just ten touches.
Leonardo Bonucci: N/A
Replaced Kulusevski in the 83rd minute as Juve looked to shut up shop. Did his bit to ensure there was no late comeback.
