The 14th round of Serie A got underway with a Friday night clash between Monza and Juventus at the U-Power Stadium. Even though Dusan Vlahovic squandered an early spot kick, the Bianconeri still took the lead as Adrien Rabiot nodded home from the ensuing corner kick. As is often the case, Massimilano Allegri raised the defensive walls in the second half, but Valentin Carboni pulled off an added-time equalizer while attempting a cross. Yet, Federico Gatti put his stamp on a dramatic affair by restoring the Old Lady’s lead in the 94th minute. So here are our player ratings for Juventus who survived a major scare to beat Monza 2-1 and place themselves on top of the table, albeit temporarily.
Juventus (3-5-2)
Wojciech Szczesny – 5.5
The Pole didn’t have a save to make all match but still conceded after getting tricked by Carboni’s cross.
Federico Gatti – 6.5
What a night for the Italy defender! It started with a horrible miss in front of goal. While he was mostly solid at the back, he allowed Dany Mota to slip past him and distract Szczesny which led to Monza’s goal. Yet, he had the last laugh by scoring the invaluable winner for Juventus, even if his first touch was abysmal.
Gleison Bremer – 6.5
The former Torino man confidently dealt with every ball thrown in his direction. Did well to nullify Lorenzo Colombo in the second period.
Alex Sandro – 6.5
An improved display from the Brazilian who avoided blunders. Used his experience to prevail over Andrea Colpani.
Andrea Cambiaso – 6.5
An impressive outing from the former Genoa man who won the early spot-kick spurned by Vlahovic. Proved to be a threat on the right flank and won his personal duel against Giorgos Kyriakopoulos.
Weston McKennie – 6.5
A hard-working display in the middle of the park from the American, even though his touch abandoned him at times.
Hans Nicolussi Caviglia – 6.5
The Juventus youth product is gaining more confidence with every minute on the pitch. Provided a sublime assist from the corner kick on the opener and won back possession on several occasions, but he still has to improve his passing.
Adrien Rabiot – 8
A masterclass display from the former PSG man who dragged his side over the finish line. Broke the deadlock with a superb header and created the winner with sheer determination. He was also lively throughout the match.
Filip Kostic – 6.5
The Serbian put on a real shift on the left flank. Won his battle against Patrick Ciurria with ease and offered contributions at both ends of the pitch
Dusan Vlahovic – 5
A night to forget for the Juventus striker who couldn’t beat Michele Di Gregorio from the spot or even on the rebound. This early blunder obviously took its toll on his morale, as he drifted out of the match.
Federico Chiesa – 6
A decent display from the former Fiorentina man who combined well with Rabiot and others. However, his display lacked a marquee moment.
Substitutes
Danilo – 6
The returning Juventus captain played as a defensive midfielder and did well to clear the lines on some occasions.
Arkadiusz Milik – 5.5
The Pole saw little of the ball as his team was hardly interested in possession throughout the second period.
Moise Kean – 5
Many will blame the Italian striker for allowing Carboni too much space to deliver the cross that landed in Szczesny’s goal.
Manuel Locatelli – N/A
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |