After a delay that lasted for more than half a year along with several legal battles, Juventus finally hosted Napoli in the postponed fixture from round 3. Federico Chiesa’s sublime work on the wing allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to break the deadlock for the Old Lady, and Paulo Dybala marked his long-awaited return with a second half goal, whilst Lorenzo Insigne’s spot-kick was too little too late for the visitors, as it ended 2-1 for the reigning champions. So here are our Player Ratings for the top clash between Juventus and Napoli.
Juventus XI
Gianluigi Buffon – 7
The aging goalkeeper was allowed to enjoy a quiet first half, but was put to the test after the break, as he had to pull off some decent saves to deny the likes of Di Lorenzo, Insigne and Ruiz.
Danilo – 7
The Brazilian was a strong performer at right back, as he was for once deployed in his natural position. Did well to limit Insigne’s threat – especially in the first half – and whilst he didn’t always surge forward, his runs caused havoc for the Partenopei defenses.
Matthijs de Ligt – 7
The former Ajax captain had Mertens in his pocket, as he completely nullified the Belgian’s effect. Produced a match-winning interception in injury time to deny Osimhen’s shot.
Giorgio Chiellini – 5.5
The Juventus captain once again gifted a needless penalty for Napoli, after shoving Osimhen. Whilst his performance was generally solid, it was tainted by the late incident.
Alex Sandro – 6.5
The former Porto defender won his battle against Lozano with ease, and also did well against Politano who came in to replace the Mexican. Didn’t surge forward as much as usual, but should be content with his solid shift at the back – although he could have caused his side a penalty kick with his challenge on Zielinski late in the first half.
Juan Cuadrado – 6
A mixed bag from the Colombian who featured in his original role on the wing after spending the majority of the season at right back. Whilst he did showcase some flashes of talent, he wasted two good opportunities in front of goal due to his renown poor finishing touch.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 6.5
The Uruguayan managed to produce his best performance in a while. Caused problems for the opposition with his smart movement, and was behind Koulibaly’s early booking. Assisted Dybala for the Bianconeri’s second goal.
Adrien Rabiot – 6
A solid if unspectacular display from the former Paris Saint Germain midfielder. Stayed deep for the most part, and prevented himself from committing mistakes as he adopted a cautious approach.
Federico Chiesa – 7.5
The former Fiorentina man once again proved that he might just be the best Juventus player of the season, as he dribbled his way through the Napoli defenses to assist Ronaldo for the early opener. The young man was a burst of energy on both phases of the match, even assisting his teammates at the back with some crucial tackles.
Alvaro Morata – 6
A generous display from the Spanish striker. He wasn’t presented with a single chance on goal, but worked hard to create opportunities for his teammates.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 6.5
Even though it was a quieter than usual performance for the Portuguese legend, he was still decisive as ever. Made up for missing a sitter in the first few minutes of play by breaking the deadlock with a simple finish after a smart movement.
Juventus Substitutes
Paulo Dybala – 6.5
After missing three months of play, the Argentine star scored with a crafty finish few minutes after making his comeback.
Weston McKennie – 6
An industrial outing for the young American who ran all over the pitch.
Arthur – N/A
Napoli XI
Alex Meret – 5.5
The young goalkeeper was arguably the best performer in the previous match between Juventus and Napoli, but this time he couldn’t do much about the two goals that he conceded.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 6
The Italian international was pegged back by Chiesa for most of the first half, but began to support the attacks after the interval, and tested Buffon with a shot on goal.
Amir Rrahmani – 5.5
The former Hellas Verona defender was arguably one of the culprits on the opening goal as he couldn’t track Ronaldo’s run, and almost sent Dybala back to the treatment table with a cruel tackle.
Kalidou Koulibaly – 5.5
The Senegalese star received a yellow card for his challenge on Bentancur during the first half, and failed to intercept Dybala’s shot for the hosts’ second goal.
Elseid Hysaj – 5
The Albanian was toyed by Chiesa on the first goal, whilst also struggling to contain Cuadrado at times, as he seemed to be uncomfortable playing at left back.
Diego Demme – 5
The German is usually a reliable presence within Gennaro Gattuso’s midfield, but failed to add much for his side, as the southerners looked second best for as long as he lasted on the pitch.
Fabian Ruiz – 6
The Spain international was among the men who tried the most for Napoli on Wednesday, even if his performances are usually a little more productive than this one.
Hirving Lozano – 4.5
Chucky was completely ineffective in attack, as he struggled in his battle against Sandro. Could have gifted Juventus a penalty kick as he tripped Chiesa inside the Napoli box.
Piotr Zieliński – 5.5
The Pole threatened Buffon’s goal with few shots, but was unable to find enough space between Rabiot and the Old Lady’s defenders.
Lorenzo Insigne – 6
The Captain was unable to stop Chiesa in the build-up for the opener, and was largely absent throughout the first half. Picked up the pace for his side after the break, as he created some decent scoring opportunities, and successfully converted a late spot-kick for the consolation goal.
Dries Mertens – 4.5
A night to forget for Napoli’s all-time goal-scorer, as he was no-factor throughout the match.
Napoli Substitutes
Victor Osimhen – 6
Although he initially struggled in the battle against the experienced Chiellini, his team was much more threatening after his introduction and ended up earning the penalty kick.
Matteo Politano – 5.5
Replaced Lozano but was only a slight improvement on the Mexican.
Elif Elmas – N/A
Mario Rui – N/A
1 – Paulo Dybala has scored a goal as a substitute in Serie A for the first time since March 2020, against Inter. Hare.#JuventusNapoli pic.twitter.com/ZGzcmhvnF2
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) April 7, 2021