Juventus drew 1-1 away to Roma at the Olimpico on Monday night, with a magnificent Carlos Tevez free-kick almost earning his side victory.
Coach Massimiliano Allegri set his stall out to avoid defeat, playing a very deep defensive line which stifled the Giallorossi’s usual quick football.
Tevez was the pick of the Bianconeri players, scoring the decisive goal that maintains his side’s nine point lead in the race for the title.
Did we get our ratings right?
Gianluigi Buffon – 6 – Reliable
No fault for goal but made one good stop from a Kostas Manolas header as well as being quick off his line when necessary.
Giorgio Chiellini – 6 – Organised
Won every aerial battle and looked composed throughout the match. Juve’s most consistent defender on the night.
Martin Caceres – 5.5 – Quick
Matched both Ljajic and Gervinho for pace as the two Roma wide men switched flanks throughout the match but was beaten in the air by Seydou Keita allowing the Giallorossi to snatch a point.
Leonardo Bonucci – 5.5 – Average
Organised his defence impressively in the first 70 minutes but looked all at sea once the home side seemingly found the courage to attack after having gone down to ten men.
Claudio Marchisio – 5.5 – Sacrificed
Not allowed as much of the ball as he might have hoped, being pegged back defensively for most of the match as Juventus looked to avoid as many risks as possible.
Stephan Lichtsteiner – 6.5 – Positive
His usual swashbuckling self, attacking the right side whilst also offering plenty in the defensive stage. Was one of the Bianconeri’s most dangerous outlets.
Arturo Vidal – 6 – Ordinary
A hard-working performance but fans will be expecting more from the midfielder given his displays from the past. One great chance that shaved the foot of the Roma post when arguably he should have hit the target.
Roberto Pereyra – 6.5 – Vital
Slotted into the Juventus midfield with ease despite the missing Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba. Recovered balls as well initiating attacks, a quality squad player that would walk into many other Serie A sides.
Patrice Evra – 6 – Concentrated
Not quite as dynamic as his team mate Lichtsteiner, but effective in attack as well as ensuring that Torosidis did not have to much space down that left flank.
Carlos Tevez – 7 – Decisive
Did little throughout much of the game but punished Roma with a great free kick following the Torosidis sending off. An incredible weapon to have, makes the difference when you least expect it. Is there anything Tevez cannot do?!
Alvaro Morata – 5 – Ineffective
Reprimanded by his coach on numerous occasions for lack of movement and misplaced passes. Maybe the magnitude of the game affected the youngster, who certainly looked miles away from the striker we have witnessed of late.
Substitutes
Kingsley Coman (82 mins) – N/A
Simone Padoin (89 mins) – N/A
