Juventus hosted Roma at the Allianz stadium in Turin. Although the match didn’t turn our to be as exciting as their first encounter earlier in the season, it was a vintage Old Lady performance. Cristiano Ronaldo extended his lead on the top-scoring charts with an early opener, and Roger Ibanez added to the Giallorossi woes with an own-goal, as the Bianconeri surpassed their capital rivals in the league standings with a 2-0 victory. So here our player ratings for the weekend’s top clash between Juventus and Roma
Juventus XI
Wojciech Szczęsny – 7
Even though he didn’t have to produce miraculous saves, the Polish man remained composed and alerted as his former side tested him with long range efforts throughout the match.
Danilo – 7
Another solid performance from the former Manchester City man. closed down his flank superbly against the dangerous Spinazzola with one interceptions after another.
Leonardo Bonucci – 7
The Italy international remained composed throughout the match. Lost his concentration on few occasions against Dzeko by the end of the match, but this performance should still be recognized as one his best during the season.
Giorgio Chiellini – 7.5
The Juventus captain was once again an absolute rock at the back, as he managed to clear the area from every Roma ball that came to his direction. The veteran earns man of the match honors for the second weekend in a row.
Alex Sandro – 7
The Brazilian was a surprising addition to the starting lineup, but he justified his inclusion with an all-round vintage brilliant performance. His run through the left flank created the opening the goal, and his defensive contribution nullified Karsdorp’s danger.
Weston Mckennie – 6
Perhaps not a vintage performance by the young American, but not a bad one either. Tried to break through the opposition lines with his runs but his touch let him down on some occasions.
Arthur – 6.5
The former Barcelona man’s footwork is a scene to behold, as he made sure to frustrate the Roma midfielders while maintaining possession for Juventus. Looked a bit tired by the end of the match as he started to misplace his passes.
Adrien Rabiot – 6
The Frenchman was given the opportunity to play in Bentancur’s absence. Although he didn’t disgrace himself, but didn’t add much for his side to stake his claim for a permanent starting berth.
Federico Chiesa – 6
A hard working performance from the former Fiorentina winger who was shifted to the right flank in Cuadrado’s absence. Had his fair share of bruises as usual, and helped Danilo in containing Spinazzola. But his offensive contribution was surprisingly limited.
Alvaro Morata – 6
Another Bianconeri player who worked hard for his team. The Spaniard wasn’t handed a clear goal-scoring opportunity, but his main contribution to his side was providing the assist for Ronaldo’s opening goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 7.5
The birthday boy played his first match as a 36-year-old, and proved that age is just a number. Opened the scoring with a well taken shot with his weaker left foot. Could have added another, but his deflected shot hit the crossbar, and then threatened Lopez with another attempt on target. His second half was a little quieter, but his presence proved to be enough to create a fumble which led to an own-goal by Ibanez.
Juventus Substitutes
Dejan Kulusevski – 6.5
The young Swede immediately did the damage after his introduction, as his assist which was heading towards Ronaldo ended up being scored by the unfortunate Ibanez.
Juan Cuadrado – 6
The Colombian added some energy to the right flank after his introduction.
Federico Bernardeschi – N/A
Matthijs De Ligt – N/A
Merih Demiral – N/A
Roma XI
Pau Lopez – 5.5
It could be argued that the Spanish goalkeeper could have done a little better on the opening goal. Nonetheless, he denied a Ronaldo effort later in the first half.
Gianluca Mancini – 6
The Italian international did a decent job against Morata, and can’t be faulted for the result.
Roger Ibanez – 5
The Brazilian’s torrid run continues, as he was the unlucky player to direct Kulusevski’s pass towards the goal when he was trying to intercept the ball before it reaches Ronaldo.
Marash Kumbulla – 6
The 20-year-old Albanian failed to block Ronaldo’s shot for the opener. However, he managed to redeem himself with a key interception which proved just enough to send the Portuguese’s shot crashing towards the woodwork.
Rick Karsdorp – 5
The Dutch wingback had a difficult outing against Sandro, and failed to support his team’s attack, as most of his side’s action came from the other flank.
Gonzalo Villar – 5.5
The young Spaniard was willing to put up a fight against the Juventus midfielders, but didn’t provide much for Roma when on the ball.
Jordan Veretout – 6
The former Fiorentina man tried to keep things ticking in the middle of the park. Although his set piece delivery was dangerous, his teammates failed to pounce on it.
Leonardo Spinazzola – 6
The former Juventus wingback was arguably the most dynamic player in Roma, as his runs from the left caused concerns for Andrea Pirlo’s men. Nevertheless, he always found an alerted Danilo on his way to the Bianconeri box.
Bryan Crsitante – 5.5
The versatile player was deployed in an unusually high position, and he produced his side’s most dangerous opportunity with a thunderous volley that whistled pass the goal. However, he was one of the culprits on the first goal, as he failed to contain Sandro’s run.
Henrikh Mkhitarian – 5.5
The Armenian has lost some of the steam he possessed at the beginning of campaign. Threatened the hosts with few long shots, but wasn’t as creative as expected.
Borja Mayoral – 5.5
The young striker’s positive run came to an end as took on what is arguably the most experienced defensive pairing in European football in Chiellini and Bonucci. This should serve as a learning experience for the up and coming Spaniard.
Roma Substitutes
Edin Dzeko – 5
The former captain’s return to the field wasn’t a triumphant one, as he failed to pounce on two long crosses that came in his direction.
Carles Perez – 5.5
The young winger threatened the Juventus goal with a dangerous shot, but was denied by the opposing goalkeeper.
Amadou Diawara – 5
The former Napoli midfielder played for half an hour but his presence was barely felt.