At the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Juventus launched their new campaign by hosting Sassuolo. While the visitors threatened with an early onslaught, it was the Bianconceri who found the breakthrough in the middle of the first half thanks to their new signing Angel Di Maria. Dusan Vlahovic then took over by winning and converting a spot kick before the halftime whistle, and then adding the third for the Old Lady after the restart. So here are our player ratings for the opening day encounter between Juventus and Sassuolo which ended 3-0 in favor of the hosts.
Juventus (4-4-1-1)
Mattia Perin – 7
The Italian custodian deputized for the injured Wojciech Szczesny and was brilliant between the sticks. Although most of the Neroverdi’s chances weren’t extremely dangerous, he did well to stay alarmed as he pulled off a string of confident saves.
Danilo – 7
The former Manchester City man has fully embraced the Juventus mentality as evidenced by his passionate celebration following a timely sliding tackle. Made a several crucial interceptions at the back and occasionally darted the right lane to support Di Maria.
Leonardo Bonucci – 6
It was a shaky start for the new captain who has now eclipsed Dino Zoff’s number of appearances for the club. Was wasteful with the ball early on which could have cost his side dearly. Nevertheless, he grew stronger as the match progressed.
Gleison Bremer – 6.5
Similarly to his defensive partner, the new Juventus signing lost possessing in dangerous areas due to poor passing. However, he was a beast at the back, winning his duels against the Sassuolo attackers with ease.
Alex Sandro – 6.5
A decent performance from the much-maligned Brazilian who almost won a penalty kick in the first minute. Proved to be menacing presence on the left flank for as long as he lasted and even provided the assist for Di Maria’s opener.
Juan Cuadrado – 6.5
The Colombian’s switch to the flank left after the first cooling break was a game changer from Massimiliano Allegri’s part, as he set the wing on fire and set up the first goal. He remains a key player for the Bianconeri despite advancing in age.
Denis Zakaria – 6.5
A solid if unspectacular performance from the Switzerland international. Provided muscles in the middle of the park and did his job without complicating matters.
Manuel Locatelli – 6
The Euro 2020 winner had a rough start after earning an early booking that limited his defensive impact. He also gave away the ball deep into his own half which could have punished his team. Nonetheless, it was still a decent outing in general as he controlled the tempo of the team and kept the ball ticking in the middle of the park.
Weston McKennie – 6
The American surely has an impressive engine that allows him to launch himself into dangerous areas. Unfortunately, his technical touch leaves a lot to be desired, as he mostly ends up wasting possession in crucial timings.
Angel Di Maria – 7.5
What a vibrant performance from the free agent signing! He eventually left the pitch early with some physical discomfort, but the damage was already done. Broke the deadlock with a volley, set up Vlahovic with an assist, and showcased his wide array of flicks and tricks much to the delight of his new supporters.
Dusan Vlahovic – 7.5
Following an underwhelming pre-season, the Serbian delivered when it mattered. Earned a spot kick with a combination of strength and shrewdness before converting it himself. He then kept his composure in front of goal to come away with a personal brace.
Juventus Substitutes
Mattia De Sciglio – 6
A decent cameo from the Italian fullback who did well on the both phases on the game.
Filip Kostic – 5.5
The latest Juventus signing displayed his hardworking ethics, but couldn’t grab himself a memorable moment.
Fabio Miretti – 6
The teenager continues to earn Allegri’s trust and justified it with another impressive outing.
Matias Soulé – N/A
Nicolò Rovella – N/A
10 – Since he joined Juventus, Dusan #Vlahovic has scored 10 goals: only Lautaro Martinez (13) and Ciro Immobile (12) have done better in all competitions among those who have played only in Serie A teams over this period. Compressor.#JuveSassuolo pic.twitter.com/c2FrzDjtjk
— OptaPaolo ? (@OptaPaolo) August 15, 2022
Sassuolo (4-3-3)
Andrea Consigli – 5.5
The veteran goalkeeper made a couple of decent saves, but perhaps should have done better on Di Maria’s opener.
Mert Muldur – N/A
Unfortunately for the right-back, he suffered what appears to be serious injury in the opening minutes and left his spot for Toljan.
Kaar Ayhan – 6
The Turk was pretty solid at the back and made some key interceptions on Vlahovic and company. However, he inexplicably gave the ball away which led to the Old Lady’s third goal.
Gian Marco Ferrari – 5.5
The skipper’s ill-advised challenge on Vlahovic allowed the hosts to double their lead from the spot, which technically killed off the match.
Rogerio – 5.5
The Brazilian had a torrid time against Di Maria, and couldn’t block his foe’s shot which gave Juventus the lead.
Matheus Henrique – 5.5
The midfielder tried to act as a Regista in the absence of the suspended Maxime Lopez, but faced an uphill task.
Davide Frattesi – 6
The Italy international ran his socks off but it just wasn’t enough, as Alessio Dionisi’s middle of the park lacked creativity in general.
Kristian Thorstvedt – 5.5
Not a horrible debut from the young Norwegian, but he lost most of his duels against the physically-imposing Zakaria.
Domenico Berardi – 5.5
The Sassuolo icon was hoping to inaugurate his new number 10 with a spectacular performance, but it wasn’t meant to be. Put Defrel through on goal with an exquisite cross, but that was the highlight of his evening.
Gregoire Defrel – 5.5
The Frenchman had a strong impact early on as he threatened with some dangerous shots, but the fuse soon went off and he was nowhere to be seen after the break.
Giorgios Kyriakopoulos – 5
The Greek played in an unusually advanced positions in the first half, but couldn’t provide anything noteworthy.
Sassuolo Substitutes
Jeremy Toljan – 6
The former Dortmund player entered early on, but his task become significantly more difficult when Cuadrado switched to his side. Still, he didn’t disgrace himself, and tried to make some decent contributions on the ball.
Giacomo Raspadori – 5
The Napoli-bound striker tried to earn a potentially last happy memory in a Sassuolo shirt prior to his expected transfer, but it was already a lost cause by the time he came in.
Andrea Pinamonti – 5
A similar story to Raspadori, as he barely saw the ball.
Abdou Harroui – N/A
Emil Konradsen Ceide – N/A
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