juventus     Juventus                                                      3-0                                               Cesena         cesena

Vidal pen 18, 64 (J)

Lichtsteiner 85 (J)

 Serie A – Week 4  [24th September 2014]  – Juventus Stadium

Max Allegri’s Juventus just set a record. They won their first four Serie A matches all without conceding a goal. That had never been done before, until Juve achieved it today. Indeed, today’s 3-0 triumph over Cesena was yet another page in the – so far – completely successful book known as Juve’s 2014-2015 season. Though, the weekend’s victory over Milan may be sweeter than this record.

This match was a typical encounter between Juventus and a provincial side. Cesena did attempt to take on Juventus at first, and the two yellow cards given to them within 30 minutes should indicate this. However, one of those fouls was on Arturo Vidal and in the box, so that led to a penalty which gave Juventus the 1-0 lead. This was after Sebastian Giovinco nearly scored with a great semi-lob of an effort at the edge of Cesena’s 18 yard box.

Giovinco, it should be noted, had a great game though he did not score. He threatened Nicola Leali – yes, the one on loan from Juventus – on several occasions, constantly forcing exquisite saves. Furthermore, his passing and movement were critical to helping Juventus break through Cesena’s five man backline. Sadly, his strike partner Fernando Llorente did not have as strong of a game, continuing his mediocre start to the season.

Vidal’s performance – which featured a second goal, a fierce effort that was so beautiful it should have counted for two goals anyway – was also a highlight, particularly after his slight injury, and rumors that his injury was something far worse than what it actually was. That said, it can be a bit confusing to see him and Roberto Pereyra on the field at the same time, due to their somewhat similar style and haircuts. Elsewhere in the midfield, Claudio Marchisio yet again showed he is a very good regista, continuing his slow but consistent growth in that role.

The defense, though generally unchallenged, was excellent the few times they were called upon. Even when there were chances for Cesena to split open Juve’s backline, individual centerbacks (be it Bonucci, Chiellini, or Ogbonna) stepped up to make successful challneges. Additionally, Angelo Ogbonna deserves much credit for his second fine performance in a non-preferred role, as he is usually a left sided centerback a la Chiellini.

It was a fine performance from Juventus, who face Atalanta this weekend in one final warm up match before a very important pair of games next week: versus Atletico Madrid – in Madrid – and on the weekend when Juve welcomes Roma to Juventus Stadium.

 

Statistics

foot12 Man of the Match: Arturo Vidal
 foot14 Corners 6 foot07 Total Shots:  29
foot13 Flop of the Match: Fernando Llorente
 foot05 Pass Accuracy: 90% foot01 Ball Possession:  72%
foot11 Fouls: 10 foot00 Shots on Target:   13 foot08 Formation:  3-5-2

 

Formation:

Lineups:

juventus Juventus: Buffon; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner (Pepe 87), Vidal (Padoin 80), Marchisio, Pereyra, Evra; Giovinco, Llorente (Morata 70)

cesena Cesena: Leali; Krajnc, Lucchini, Capelli; Perico (Carbonero 56), Giorgi (Nica 77), Cascione, Mazzotta (Coppola 46), Renzetti; Defrel; Marilungo

Ref: Giacomelli

 

Video Highlights:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxJbOSK2Pwo