Juventus played well in patches but ground out a win against a resilient Hellas Verona side, with goals from Aaron Ramsey and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Juventus Player Ratings
Gigi Buffon: It was a comforting sight, watching Gigio out there on the pitch, and not just with an eye on rotation. He made some straightforward saves before parrying one over the bar and then saving Juventus two points, right at the death with a great reaction save. Legend. 7.0/10
Danilo: Improved from the last performance, winning 4/5 tackles, making 3 clearances and 1 interception. Not great in the opposition half and his crosses need work, but he was steady. 6.0/10
Leonardo Bonucci: Another game, another composed display at the back, managing the team well. Good in the air, his overall awareness and positioning can’t be faulted and guided he guided Demiral along the way. 6.5/10
Merih Demiral: Started brightly, and he was obviously keen and eager to make a good impression – that probably led him to make the rash challenge that led to the penalty. Was guided through the game by Gigi and Leo and did ok thereafter. 5.0/10
Alex Sandro: His work rate just can’t be faulted of late, and he’s shown real consistency in this early period of the season. His attacking contribution helps Juve immensely, but he’s shown incredible composure at the back as well. 6.0/10
Midfield
Aaron Ramsey: A little off the pace to start with, but he was soon forcing himself into the game, linking up well with Dybala and Ronaldo before scoring the equaliser from range. Showed in one half exactly what Juve have lacked in the centre. 7.5/10
Blaise Matuidi: A work-horse today, breaking up play, making some good runs into the box and proving a real thorn in the side of the Hellas midfield. Helped relieve the pressure late on and played an important part, overall. 6.0/10
Rodrigo Bentancur: Did precious little, offering Juve nothing by way of creativity and while his passing can’t be faulted, it was rarely decisive, and he was rightly subbed off for Pjanic.. 4.5/10
Attack
Juan Cuadrado: Another solid game from the Colombian as he worked the flank, switching with Cristiano at times and always pressuring the Hellas full-backs. His delivery into the box was mixed, but it was a solid performance, overall. 6.0/10
Paulo Dybala: The kind of performance that would be viewed differently by different people – I thought he contributed well, linked up play, created some chances and had a good night, even if he didn’t fashion any clear cut chances for himself. 6.0/10
Cristiano Ronaldo: A lively night for the veteran as he drifted across the attack and created some half chances for himself and his teammates. Played a part in the equaliser before taking his penalty with a calm finish. 7.5/10
Substitutes
Miralem Pjanic : Settled the play a little better and his passing was good but there was nothing that really penetrated the stubborn Hellas back line. 5.5/10
Gonzalo Higuain : Took an elbow to the face so perhaps he deserves some slack for playing much of the second half with a bloody nose. 5.5/10
Sami Khedira : Was he playing? Are you sure? 4.5/10
