After all the controversy outside of the pitch, Juventus and Napoli finally met on the field for the first time this season, as the Scudetto holders took on the Coppa Italia winners in the Italian Super Cup. After a forgettable first half, the Bianconeri entered with a better attitude after the break. Cristiano Ronaldo was unsurprisingly the man to open the scoring, and Alvaro Morata added the second in the very last second, as the Old Lady lifted the trophy thanks to a 2-0 victory. So here are our player ratings for the Super Cup clash between Juventus and Napoli.
Juventus XI
Wojciech Szczęsny – 7.5
The Polish man once again proved to be one of the best shot-stoppers in the world. Denied Napoli with two incredible saves – including one in the added time – which eventually won the tie for Juventus.
Danilo – 6
The Brazilian threatened Ospina with a shot early in the match, but once again lost his man on the cross as Lozano could have opened the scoring if it wasn’t for Szczęsny’s brilliance.
Leonardo Bonucci – 6.5
A dominant performance from the veteran defender who seems to find his best form when paired with his old partner Chiellini.
Giorgio Chiellini – 7
The captain won almost every ball in the air and never looked fazed by the likes of Petagna and Mertens. The Bianconeri faithful are hoping that this man remains fit for as long as possible.
Juan Cuadrado – 7
Talk about a timely comeback. For a man who just finished his quarantine few hours before the match, the Colombian certainly looked good and reminded Juve of what they were missing on the right flank. Despite having the goal at his mercy, he unselfishly assisted Morata for the second.
Weston McKennie – 6.5
The former Schalke man is always full of energy and enthusiasm. Fights for every ball and wins most of his duels. However, the American ended up giving away a penalty when he was outsmarted by Mertens. Luckily for him, Insigne didn’t hit the target.
Arthur – 6
The former Barcelona midfielder is yet to find his best form in Turin. After a tough first half where he struggled against Bakayoko and Demme, started to find his feet after the break and was instrumental in his team’s plays.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 6.5
Luckily for Juventus, they found the good version of the Uruguayan on Wednesday who was able to put a solid shift against Napoli after few disappointing matches. Moved the ball quickly and intercepted the opposition play well enough.
Federico Chiesa – 5
The young winger struggled to set his mark for the second match in a row, and was taken off at half time reportedly after suffering from an ankle injury.
Dejan Kulusevski – 5.5
The former Parma winger played in a more advanced role, but couldn’t really break into the Partenopei defences. Put himself in good positions at times, but he ended up being wasteful.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 7
The big man always rises to the big occasions. After initially struggling against Koulibaly and company, pounced into a deflected ball with a thunderous shot to open the scoring from close range. Could have added another one or two for Juventus , but he did enough damage for Napoli.
Juventus Substitutes
Federico Bernardeschi – 6
The Italian international almost scored right after his introduction, and generally enjoyed a positive outing.
Alvaro Morata – 6.5
Came on late and killed the match with a last second goal.
Adrien Rabiot – N/A
Napoli XI
David Ospina – 6
The Colombian veteran came up with saves against the likes of Danilo and Bernardeschi, but was at times too adventurous with the ball. Couldn’t do much about either goal.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 6
The Italian international did well to keep Chiesa in his pocket during the first half, and provided some good crosses for his teammates. However, his contribution decreased as the match progressed.
Kostas Manolas – 6
The former Roma man was generally solid and won countless duels in the air. His understanding with Koulibaly is growing in their second season together.
Kalidou Koulibaly – 6.5
The Senegalese defender dominated the Napoli areas as the Juventus attackers were barely allowed to sniff the ball inside the box during in the first half, before his teammates let him down during the second half.
Mário Rui – 5.5
The Portuguese offered quantity but much less quality. He was able to contain Cuadrado initially, but the Colombian had the better of him after the break.
Diego Demme – 6
A decent display from the German midfielder who offered a brilliant cross for Lozano in the fist half. Ran hard all night and pressed well against the Bianconeri midfielders.
Tiémoué Bakayoko – 5.5
The former Milan man kept Arthur at bay during the first half, but was unlucky to be the man who gifted Ronaldo the opening goal with a deflected ball. Was sacrificed afterwards as Gennaro Gattuso chased the equalizer.
Hirving Lozano – 6.5
The Mexican was perhaps his side’s most dangerous player. Had a real battle against Danilo and came out on top several times, but his header couldn’t go pass the formidable Szczęsny.
Piotr Zieliński – 5.5
The former Udinese man worked hard throughout the match, and dropped deep to help in defense, but didn’t provide the quality touch that his side was lacking.
Lorenzo Insigne – 5
A night to forget for the Napoli captain who let Juventus off the hook with the penalty kick that he wasted. Compared to his usual standards, the left winger was ineffective on Wednesday.
Andrea Petagna – 5.5
Despite getting a knock during the Fiorentina match last Sunday, the former Spal man was asked to start the match. Although he worked hald, the big striker wasn’t able to threaten the Bianconeri backline.
Napoli Substitutes
Elif Elmas – 5.5
The North Macedonian was introduced to energize the attacking midfield department, but he didn’t create many chances.
Dries Mertens – 6
Earned his side a penalty kick with his shrewdness, but will regret leaving it to Insigne.