Even though 2021 has mostly been a year to forget for Juventus, Max Allegri’s men at least managed to end it with a win at the expense of their humble visitors Cagliari. Moise Kean’s header broke the deadlock before the end of the fist half, and while the Isolani threatened with two dangerous chances in the second half, Federico Bernardeschi consolidated the victory by doubling the Old Lady’s lead at the 83rd minute. So let’s take a look at the player ratings for the Allianz Stadium encounter between Juventus and Cagliari which ended 2-0 in favor of the hosts.
Juventus XI
Wojciech Szczesny – 7
The Bianconeri owe their victory for their Polish goalkeeper who maintained their slim lead with a world-class save on Joao Pedro’s header. He didn’t have much else to do all evening, but he was mentally and physically present when it counted the most, earning his clean sheet in the hard way.
Juan Cuadrado – 5.5
A mixed bag for the Colombian who started the match well with a sublime cross for Kean. However, he found little success later on. Wasted the ball on some occasions, his corner delivery was mediocre and almost allowed Dalbert to snatch the equalizer. Definitely not his best display.
Leonardo Bonucci – 6.5
The captain marshalled the defense with ease and confidence and was rarely troubled by the Cagliari strikers as Juventus held the ball for the majority of the time.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6.5
The Dutchman had very little to do in the first half, but the introduction of Pavoletti provided him with a dance partner. Did well to win the duel against the big striker.
Alex Sandro – 6
A steady if not spectacular display from the former Porto man. Had to deal with the Rossoblu’s more vibrant right flank, and managed to maintain composure, even if Bellanova gave him some scares.
Rodrigo Bentnacur – 6
An industrial performance from the Uruguayan who helped Juventus in regaining possession and maintaining the dominance in the middle of the park, but offered little to none in the final third.
Arthur Melo – 6
The former Barcelona man got his second start in a row, but his impact was reduced this time. Committed very few mistakes in his passing, but didn’t truly help in advancing the ball.
Adrien Rabiot – 5.5
The Frenchman had his moments early on where he could have contributed in a goal, but lacked the technical touch inside the opposition’s penalty box. Was taken off at halftime in favor of the more dynamic McKennie.
Federico Bernardeschi – 7.5
The Euro 2020 winner might have gotten lucky with his deflected assist for Kean’s opener, but cemented his fine performance with a clinical finish as he finally broke his duck for the campaign. Fought hard for every ball, dropped deep to support his teammates at the back and deserves to be our man of the match.
Alvaro Morata – 6
Even though he didn’t score this time, it was a generous performance from the Spaniard who linked up well with his teammates upfront and kept pushing his side forward.
Moise Kean – 7
The young Italian was adamant on scoring, but was denied by the post in the opening minutes. However, he got what he sought for after pouncing on Bernardeschi’s ball with a fine reflex that left the keeper with no chance.
Juventus Subtitutes
Weston McKennie – 6.5
A vibrant performance from the American who picked up the Bianconeri’s tempo after coming in. Connected brilliantly with his teammates and was never afraid to take on his marker.
Dejan Kulusevski – 6.5
The young Swede punished Cagliari for their misplaced passing by stealing the ball in the middle of the pitch, losing his marker with a simple trick and putting Bernardeschi through on goal with an exquisite assist. Talk about an impact sub!
Manuel Locatelli – N/A
Mattia De Scigio – N/A
Kaio Jorge – N/A
252 – #Allegri has won as manager the same number of Serie A games (252) as Fabio Capello (but for Allegri 40 matches less than the ex manager). He won at least 60 games more than any other manager in Serie A since 2008/09 (his first top flight campaign). DNA.#JuveCagliari
— OptaPaolo ? (@OptaPaolo) December 21, 2021
Cagliari XI
Alessio Cragno – 5.5
The Italy international was left stranded for Kean’s goal as he couldn’t do much about it. However, he was too soft on Bernardeschi’s shot, allowing the ball to eclipse him.
Gabriele Zappa – 5
A night to forget for the young fullback who was unlucky to be thrusted as a third center back by Walter Mazzarri. Lost Kean on the opening goal, and misplaced the horizontal ball that led to the second, before failing to block Bernardeschi’s shot. However, his brilliant cross provided Joao Pedro with Cagliari’s most dangerous chance in the match.
Luca Ceppitelli – 6
A solid display by the Italian center back who contained Morata’s threat for the majority of the match and frustrated him by earning some calls in his favor. But perhaps he should have lent a hand for Zappa who was haplessly trying to catch Kean ahead of the first goal.
Andrea Carboni – 5.5
The young defender fought hard, but was troubled by Bernardeschi at times. Lost Kulusevski ahead of the second goal.
Raoul Bellanova – 6.5
The best performer of the night for the visitors. Troubled Juve’s left flank with his dangerous runs, and provided a wonderful low cross that was shockingly wasted by Dalbert.
Alberto Grassi – 5.5
The former Atalanta man always supported the backline, but faced an uphill battle when trying to create plays.
Alessandro Deiola – 5.5
The Italian ran and fought all night, but Cagliari lost the midfield battle from start to finish.
Charalambos Lykogiannis – 5.5
The Greek left-back held his own against Cuadrado, but offered very little when going forward.
Dalbert – 5
The former Inter wingback did well to escape Cuadrado and put himself in front of the Juventus goal, but awkwardly missed a clear-cut chance.
Joao Pedro – 5.5
The captain was visibly distressed and spent his evening arguing against the referee’s calls. Almost got his side back to the match but his header but was denied by an incredible save from Szczesny.
Gaston Pereiro – 5
The Uruguayan striker was nowhere to be seen for as long as he lasted on the pitch, with his teammates leaving him starving for the ball.
Cagliari Substitutes
Leonardo Pavoletti – 5
His only memorable contribution to the match was giving de Ligt a bloody a cheek.
Christian Oliva – 5
Offered very little after coming in.
Keita Baldé – N/A