As it’s often the case at the Allianz Stadium, it was a match of two halves between Juventus Spezia. The Bianconeri started on the right foot, dominating the proceedings in the first half while pegging their opponents into their own area, before breaking the deadlock with a fabulous counter attack signed by Alvaro Morata. Nevertheless, Thiago Motta’s men came out with a stronger morale after the break, taking advantage of the hosts’ exhaustion. However, Wojciech Szczesny was present to deny the Aquilotti and secure a slim but extremely important win for the Old Lady. So here are our player ratings for the Serie A round 28 encounter between Juventus and Spezia.
Juventus (4-4-2)
Wojciech Szczesny – 7.5
After spending the first half as a mere spectator, the former Arsenal goalkeeper had to be at his A-game in order to preserve his side’s lead, making several interventions, including two brilliant saves on Gyasi and Agudelo.
Danilo – 6.5
A solid if unspectacular display from the Brazil international who looked comfortable on the right flank before switching to the left in the second half following Bernardeschi’s introduction.
Daniele Rugani – 6.5
The former Empoli man had to be immediately thrusted back to action following his return from injury due to the several absences at the back. Nevertheless, he put up a convincing display at the back, and he instigated the match’s lone goal by winning the ball back in the middle of the park.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6
The Dutchman is often one of the most convincing players at Juventus, but it simply wasn’t his most solid display in defense, although he did have his moments. Gave Agudelo too much space which could allowed Spezia to equalize if it wasn’t for Szczesny, and also a made a poor clearance with his head.
Luca Pellegrini – 5.5
The former Cagliari man ran up and down the left flank, but rarely caused danger. Received a needless yellow card which prompted Massimiliano Allegri to take him off early in the second period.
Juan Cuadrado – 7
Arguably the Bianconeri’s best outfield player. As usual, the Colombian is bound to send some wayward shots and crosses, but he tested Provedel with a low shot. Caused trouble for the Spezia defenders with his runs on the right, and should have grabbed an assist to his name if it wasn’t for Morata’s close-range miss. Helped Juventus massively at the back.
Manuel Locatelli – 6.5
The Euro 2020 winner provided the assist for Morata with a smart touch, and showcased his brilliant passing skills by picking up his teammates all over the field. But his impact dwindled in the second period.
Arthur Melo – 6.5
The former Barcelona man did well as the architect of the Old Lady’s plays, even if he was slow to pass the ball on some occasions. Linked up well with Cuadrado on some instances.
Adrien Rabiot – 5
The Frenchman runs hard and even puts himself in the right positions, but his execution is simply inaccurate and most often than not ends up wasting decent opportunities. Gave away needless freekicks in some danger areas which could have cost Juventus the win.
Dusan Vlahovic – 6
Before the match, Allegri was considering resting his star player who hasn’t been allowed a breather since making the switch to Turin. The Serbian eventually started and played a role in Morata’s goal, but he was obviously far from his best physical shape, as he failed to put a shot on goal for the first time in 26 appearances.
Alvaro Morata – 6.5
The Spaniard will be kicking himself for failing to convert Cuadrado’s pass to goal late in the match, but at the end of the day, he was the author of the lone goal thanks to a clinical finish.
Juventus Substitutes
Federico Bernardeschi – 5.5
The winger returned following a long layoff. He rarely saw the ball and will have to serve a one-match ban after getting booked, but Juventus fans will be happy with his return amidst the severe injury crisis.
Moise Kean – N/A
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Spezia (4-3-3)
Ivan Provedel – 5.5
The Italian shot-stopper pulled off a decent save to deny Cuadrado’s shot early in the match, but his poor distribution allowed the hosts to steal the ball and score from a swift counter attack.
Salvador Ferrer – 6
The Spaniard had the better out of Rabiot in their personal duel, and provided Gyasi with a sublime cross from the byline.
Martin Erlic – 6.5
A solid display from the center back who kept Morata in check for the majority of the match and made some crucial interceptions at the back.
Dimitrios Nikolaou – 6.5
Another impressive display from the up-and-coming Greek defender who is building a reputation for himself as one of the toughest center backs in Serie A. Managed to limit the danger of Vlahovic.
Arkadiusz Reca – 6
The Pole tried to support his teammates with some runs from the left flank, but often found it hard against Cuadrado. The Colombian slipped past him on some occasions.
Kevin Agudelo – 6
The Colombian played in a deeper role than usual which limited his danger in the first half, but started to break into the opposition’s areas in the second period and almost scored an equalizer.
Simone Bastoni – 6
A hard-working performance from the versatile Italian who sat in front of the defense and went to battle against the likes of Locatelli and Arthur. But provided very little on the attacking phase.
Giulio Maggiore – 5.5
The young captain didn’t enjoy his best outing and had a minimal impact before leaving the pitch in the second half.
Emmanuel Quartsin Gysasi – 5.5
The winger did very little to make himself noticed in the first period, but he almost scored with a header after the break.
Ray Manaj – 5
The former Barcelona striker was easily nullified by the Juventus defenders and was mostly left isolated from the rest of the Spezia crew.
Daniele Verde – 6
The former Roma man was nowhere to be seen in the first period, but put up a lively performance in the second half, causing havoc for the Bianconeri areas with his slick passing and dangerous curls.
Spezia Substitutes
Mehdi Bourabia – 5.5
The Moroccan came in for Maggiore but provided little improvement.
Viktor Kovalenko – 6.5
The Ukrainian immediately made himself noticed with some brilliant plays, and managed to put Agudelo on goal with a sublime through ball.