On Saturday evening, Torino hosted Juventus for the infamous Derby della Mole and the absence of the best strikers on both sides was plain to see. It was a mostly cagey affair, but at the end of the day, a late strike from Manuel Locatelli sealed the win for the visitors, making it three wins on the trot for the Old Lady. So here are the Player Ratings for the Derby clash between Torino and Juventus.
Torino XI
Vanja Milinkovic-Savic – 6.5
The Serbian made two brilliant saves in the second half, denying Sandro’s header and Cuadrado’s left-footer, but just couldn’t reach Locatelli’s low drive.
David Zima – 5.5
The young Czech defender was beaten by Rabiot’s run early on, but regained composure as the match went on. However, he appeared to be the weakest link at the back for the Granata.
Gleison Bremer – 7
A solid performance from the Brazilian who didn’t deserve to be on the losing side. Lost Kean on one occasions in the first two minutes, but had the better of the striker for the rest of the half before bullying Chiesa in the second period.
Riccardo Rodriguez – 6
The former Milan man started runs from the back and helped his side in the middle of the park as well.
Wilfried Singo – 6
The young Ivorian started the match on a high note, making life difficult for Sandro and putting in some decent crosses to the opposition’s penalty box, but somewhat faded in the second half.
Tommaso Pobega – 6
A hard-working performance from the Italian midfielder, but he didn’t add much when it comes to building the play. Risked giving away a penalty for a challenge on Cuadrado.
Rolando Mandragora – 6.5
The captain put up a respectable display against his parent club. Went toe-to-toe with Locatelli in a thrilling midfield battle and produced his team’s most dangerous shot in the match, but his long-range effort was denied by Szczesny.
Ola Aina – 6
The former Chelsea man completely nullified Bernardeschi’s threat in the first half, but found more difficulties following the introduction of Cuadrado. Was replaced by Ansaldi as Ivan Juric opted for a more attacking wingback.
Sasa Lukic – 6
The number 10 ran tirelessly and gave the Juventus defenders some concerns. Almost found a breakthrough on goal but was denied by a brilliant interception from Chiellini.
Josip Brekalo – 6
The young Croatian appeared to be the Granata’s most talented player as he tried to come up with something using his impressive dribbling skills. But never truly caused danger for the Bianconeri.
Antonio Sanabria – 5
The Paraguayan failed to replicate his great derby performance from last season (when he scored a brace) and was second to the ball all evening when facing Juventus defenders.
Torino Substitutes
Cristian Ansaldi – 5.5
The former Inter man was supposed to provide danger from the width, but little could be done in the absence of a reliable striker inside the box.
Karol Linetty – 5.5
The Polish midfielder was barely seen following his introduction in the second half.
Daniele Baselli – N/A
Tomas Rincon – N/A
20 – #Juventus have kept a Serie A clean sheet for the first time since last March (3-0 v Spezia) – they have stopped a 20-games streak without a single clean sheet in the competition. Organized.#JuventusTorino #SerieA pic.twitter.com/FKVqc6JmA2
— OptaPaolo ? (@OptaPaolo) October 2, 2021
Juventus XI
Wojciech Szczesny – 6.5
The former Arsenal goalkeeper produced a great save that was equal to Mandragora’s effort. Almost caused a debacle inside the box with a poor clearance in the second half.
Danilo – 6.5
The Brazilian pretty acted as a third center back, almost never bursting forward. A solid performance against Brekalo and the rest of the Torino attackers.
Matthijs de Ligt – 7
The Dutchman had Sanabria in his pocket throughout the evening and almost made it look easy. Made several key confident interceptions.
Giorgio Chiellini – 7.5
Despite his age, the Juventus captain was once again a rock at the back. Won the vast majority of his air duels and produced a stunning interception on Lukic who was heading towards goal.
Alex Sandro – 7
The former Porto man intervened at the right time to save what could have been a dangerous opportunity for Torino in the first half. Almost broke the deadlock in the second period with a powerful header, but eventually, it was his run on the left that culminated in the derby’s lone goal.
Weston McKennie – 5
The American worked hard as ever, but his technical touch remains too poor for a Juventus player. Wasted two good chances early with wayward finishes and lost possession on multiple occasions with mediocre passing.
Manuel Locatelli – 8
Hands-down the man of the match. The former Sassuolo man had an average first half but then grew into the game after the break. Had the better of Mandragora and Pobega in the middle of the pitch and sealed the match with a sublime strike to the bottom corner.
Adrien Rabiot – 6.5
The Frenchman is never going to become a dazzling winger, but he’s showing improving signs in his new wide role. Created some good chances for Juventus with his runs on the left.
Federico Bernardeschi – 5.5
The former Fiorentina man was nowhere to be seen in the first half, but was more involved after switching into a more central role in the second period following the introduction of Cuadrado.
Federico Chiesa – 6
Following his midweek heroics against Chelsea, all eyes were on the Euro 2020 winner, but he found very little space facing the Torino defenders. But even on a difficult night, he proved to be decisive, setting up Locatelli with a smart assist.
Moise Kean – 5.5
The former PSG man almost broke the deadlock inside the first two minutes with a thrilling run to the box. Combined well with Locatelli on another counter attack, but generally struggled against Bremer. He was taken off at half time, and it remains to be seen whether it was due to a physical issue or a merely tactical call from Massimiliano Allegri.
Juventus Substitutes
Juan Cuadrado – 6
The Colombian entered after the break and immediately improved his team’s performance. Tested the goalkeeper with a shot and loudly asked for a penalty kick following a challenge from Pobega.
Dejan Kulusevski – 6.5
Despite his late introduction, the Sweden international added some much-needed flair to the final third and almost scored his team’s second but was denied by the near post.
Kaio Jorge – N/A
The derby between @TorinoFC1906_En and @juventusfcen ends 0️⃣-1️⃣. The match was resolved by a flick of genius by @locamanuel73 ?⚽?#TorinoJuventus #SerieA? #WeAreCalcio pic.twitter.com/kv0ckfmhMd
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) October 2, 2021