Juventus defeated Roma by a score of 3-2 at the Juventus Stadium in Serie A action on Sunday evening.
An eventful first half saw Carlos Tevez open up proceedings from the penalty area before Roma overturned things with a penalty from Francesco Totti and Juan Iturbe.
However another penalty from Tevez tied things up before half-time while a stunning Leonardo Bonucci strike with only minutes remaining ensured all three points for the reigning champions.
Did we get our ratings right? Have your say in the comments below.
Juventus
Gianluigi Buffon- 6 – Subdued
Was not called upon to pull off any miracles this evening but played in part in what could be a key win for the Bianconeri as they look to repeat as champions.
Martin Caceres- 6 – Valued
Limped off at the end of the first half and his exit was felt as it allowed Gervinho time to find Iturbe for Roma’s second goal. Was replace by Angelo Ogbonna at half-time.
Leonardo Bonucci – 7 – Match Winner
Accurate as always in starting things from the back, Bonucci ensured a crucial victory for his side with a laser from outside the area when things looked like they were heading for a draw.
Giorgio Chiellini- 6 – Barbaric
The weakest of the Juve defensive line but his brute force was needed in what was a rough and tumble match. Suffered the pace of Iturbe but was able to bounce back with a solid second half.
Stephan Lichtsteiner- 5 – Future WWE Champion
Lost his composure early on and gave away a needless penalty that was more suited for a wrestling ring than a football pitch. Was influential as always down the right but needs to keep his emotions in check.
Claudio Marchisio- 6.5 – Omnipresent
The best of the Bianconeri midfield, always dangerous when making his runs from the midfield and probably should have been awarded a penalty when taken down in the first half. Precious in defence as well.
Andrea Pirlo- 5.5 – Exhausted
Surprise starter as he was picked over Arturo Vidal despite being out through injury. Important as always as he lead the team in passes before his exit, but his rust showed as he only connected on 80% of them.
Paul Pogba- 5.5 – Timid
Not as influential as we have seen him be in the past as his first half was decidedly sub-par before winning the penalty that levelled things at 2-2.
Kwadwo Asamoah- 5 – Invisible
A forgettable night for the Ghanaian international who struggled to establish himself in attack and suffered the quick pace of the Roma midfield and attack.
Fernando Llorente- 4.5 – Missing
Another quiet performance from the Spaniard as he never got into the match despite all the talking points. Could be at risk of his losing his starting spot if he doesn’t improve in the near future.
Carlos Tevez – 7 – Unstoppable
Two goals, albeit both on penalties, to continue his blazing start to the season. Juve’s most important player at the moment as his movement in attack caused headaches for the Giallorossi all evening.
Substitutes
Angelo Ogbonna – 5.5 – Uneven
Alternates between good plays and forgettable decisions. Like the rest of the Bianconeri defence, struggled to deal with the Giallorossi speed.
Alvaro Morata – 6 – Lively
Was more lively than his Spanish compatriot in attack. Managed to strike the crossbar before getting sent off for what was a stupid challenge with little time remaining.
Arturo Vidal- N/A
Roma
Lukasz Skorupski- 6 – Firm
Beaten by two penalties and a Bonucci screamer on which he could do nothing to stop. A firm presence in the Roma backline lending credence to the belief that the Giallorossi already have a replacement for Morgan De Sanctis in house.
Maicon – 6 – Needed
Always dangerous in attack as the capital club favoured that side of the pitch when moving forward. Called for a handball that led to the opening goal, though whether it was warranted will likely be debated long into the night.
Kostas Manolas- 6.5 – Warrior
Another solid performance from the Greek who hardly put a foot wrong all evening. Did not hide from the action in what was a thrilling encounter and making Giallorossi fans forget about Mehdi Benatia. Only blemish was his late sending off.
Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa – 6.5 – Growing
Grew with every passing minute as he looked nervous to begin. Benefited from Manolas’ great night and is now a viable option for Garcia this season.
Jose Holebas – 5.5 – Muted
Tried to have his say down the left but suffered due to a few too many miss placed passes and touches.
Miralem Pjanic – 5 – Off night
His miss in the 59th minute cannot go unnoticed as a goal would have likely changed the fate of the match. Not enough of an influence for a player the Giallorossi heavily lean upon.
Seydou Keita – 6.5 – Revelation
Cancelled out Pogba with an authoritative performance that made De Rossi’s absence bearable. Surprisingly good in possession and a great overall showing from the former Barcelona man.
Radja Nainggolan – 6 – Water carrier
A quiet match from the combative Belgian who was quiet in the first half before getting a grip on things and battling in the second half.
Juan Iturbe- 6.5- Speed demon
Probably Roma’s best player on the night as he meant business from the first minute. Caused headaches for the Juve all night and was rightly rewarded with a well taken goal to close the first half.
Francesco Totti – 6.5 – Controlled
A goal in what could be hist last match against Juventus away from home. His lack of movement was evident but when you can pass a ball the way that he can, it doesn’t matter.
Gervinho- 6.5 – Slippery
A constant thorn in the Juventus side, would be unstoppable if his touch were equal to his pace. Great assist to setup Iturbe for Roma’s second goal but could not exert the same type of influence in the second half as he did in the first.
Substitutes
Alessandro Florenzi – 5 – Wanting
Never got his foot into proceeding and failed to liven things up for the Giallorossi in the second half.
Mattia Destro- N/A
Leandro Paredes – N/A
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