After making a major statement on the transfer market, it was time for Juventus to do the their talking on the pitch. The Bianconeri hosted Hellas Verona on Sunday night and managed to avenge their defeat in the reverse fixture with a solid performance. Coincidentally, it was the newcomers who put their names on the scoresheet. Dusan Vlahovic broke the deadlock early on with a fabulous chip, and Denis Zakaria consolidated the win with a clinical finish in the second half. So here are our player ratings for the Serie A round 24 fixture between Juventus and Verona.
Juventus XI
Wojciech Szczesny – 6.5
The Pole was a mere spectator during the first half when Juventus dominated the play, but was called into action at some occasions during the second half, especially against some dangerous crosses from Lazovic.
Danilo – 7
An incredibly solid display from the Brazilian who looks at his best physical shape despite his recent injury setback. Never allowed the ball or the opposition to pass him by, and occasionally supported his teammates upfront.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6.5
The Dutchman comfortably dealt with Lasagna, and Kalinic caused him even less trouble in the second half. Made some crucial interceptions when needed.
Giorgio Chiellini – 7
The captain bossed his area for as long as he lasted on the pitch, winning all duels against the Gialloblu players – whether in the air or on the ground – but had to leave the pitch in pain after receiving a knock.
Mattia De Sciglio – 5.5
The former Milan man is enjoying a career revival this season, but this was for from being his best performance. He was always present to support the attack, but his touch mostly let him down, and was largely wasteful.
Denis Zakaria – 7.5
What a debut from the Borussia Monchengladbach man! Now surely Vlahovic was somewhat expected to score on his first appearance, but the Swiss proved to be the pleasant surprise. Won the ball back constantly, dominated the right side of the pitch and sealed the win with a confident finish.
Arthur Melo – 6
A mixed bad for the former Barcelona man. Kept things ticking in the middle of the pitch, but was mostly cautious rather than creative when in possession.
Adrien Rabiot – 6.5
The Frenchman has been a major letdown this season, but this was arguably his best performance thus far. Retrieved the ball for his team and launched some attacks, and even threatened Montipò’s goal with a dangerous shot.
Paulo Dybala – 7
On paper, the Argentine was playing on the right of an attacking trident, but in truth, he had all the freedom that he needed to work his magic. Created the opener with a wonderful touch and brought in all the flicks and tricks. Gets extra points for helping his teammates at the back.
Dusan Vlahovic – 7
The Serbian had a date with destiny, and surely he wasn’t going to miss the chance to score on his Juventus debut in front of the Allianz Stadium crowd. Put the Bianconeri ahead with a fabulous lob, but will probably feel that he could have grabbed another one or two.
Alvaro Morata – 7
With the goal-scoring burden lifted off his shoulders, the Spaniard enjoyed himself on the pitch while working extremely hard for his team in an unusual role on the left flank. Delivered a sublime ball to Vlahovic which should have been a goal, before single-handedly creating the second goal with a brilliant run followed by a stunning through-ball to Zakaria.
Juventus Substitutes
Daniele Rugani – 6
Replaced Chiellini but maintained the backline’s solidity.
Juan Cuadrado – 6
A vibrant outing from the Colombian who almost created another goal or two for his teammates.
Moise Kean – N/A
Weston McKennie -N/A
Verona XI
Lorenzo Montipò – 6.5
Perhaps he was a bit reluctant ahead of the opener, but the former Benevento goalkeeper still made at least four impressive saves against Vlahovic, Dybala, Rabiot and McKennie.
Federico Ceccherini – 5.5
The former Fiorentina man relished the battle against his former teammate Vlahovic ahead of the match, but it was Morata who caused him trouble.
Koray Gunter – 6.5
Despite being beaten by Vlahovic ahead the opening goal, the German put some extraordinary efforts to keep the Serbian at bay as much as possible.
Nicolò Casale – 4.5
A night to forget for the young Italian defender. His poor clearance allowed Dybala to create Dusan’s opener, and was nowhere to be seen when Zakaria stormed the box from his side to score the second goal for Juventus.
Fabio Depaoli – 5.5
The wingback’s presence was rarely felt during the first half, but was a little more involved in the second period, but without causing too much trouble for Massimiliano Allegri’s men.
Ivan Ilic – 5.5
The Manchester City youth product is one of the most talented young midfielders in Serie A, but just like the majority of his teammates, he endured an off-night.
Miguel Veloso – 5.5
The Portuguese veteran was wasteful on some occasions and appeared to be a bit off pace against the Juventus midfielders. Was hauled off at the halftime break.
Darko Lazovic – 6
The former Genoa man was one of the most dangerous men for Igor Tudor’s side, especially with his crossing. However, he didn’t track Zakaria’s run that led to the second Juventus goal.
Adrien Tamèze – 5.5
The former Atalanta man fought hard against the likes of Arthur and Rabiot, but the decision to thrust him in advanced role didn’t pay off for Verona, as he offered very little inside the opposition’s final third.
Antonin Barak – 5.5
The Czech was another midfielder who disappointed for the visitors. Ran had and tried to come up with something, but missed his usual partners in crime – Giovanni Simeone and Gianluca Caprari.
Kevin Lasagna – 5.5
The former Udinese striker was supposed to hurt the Bianconeri’s backline with his speed on the counter attack, but was never truly given the chance to do so. Tested Szczesny with one shot but had an extremely acute angle.
Verona Substitutes
Daniel Bessa – 6
Replaced Veloso at halftime and immediately improved his team’s play. Found Lasagna with a smart through ball.
Panagiotis Retsos – 5.5
The Greek made his debut for Verona, but it was always going to be hard for him away against Juventus.
Nikola Kalinic – 5
The former Fiorentina and Milan hitman barely saw the ball following his introduction.
Bosko Sutalo – N/A
Mateusz Praszelik – N/A