Mario Mandzukic delivered his customer big-game performance, helping Juve to a slender 1-0 victory over Roma, maintaining their 100% record against the Giallorossi at the Juve Stadium.

 

Juventus Player Ratings

Wojciech Szczęsny: A spectator for large spells of the game, but he remained switched on throughout and governed his defence well – A perfect example being his save on Cristante late in the game. It looked straight forward, but it could easily have cost us. He exudes the confidence we need in a keeper, post-Gigi. 7.5/10

Giorgio Chiellini: There was a great moment when he came sliding in to deny a shot on goal, despite Bonucci being there. Games like this are a reminder that you need leadership and someone to show by example. This is exactly what he does on the big occasions – A giant, in every sense. 7.0/10

Leonardo Bonucci: He continues to impress with his ball distribution but on defensive duties, he can occasionally be caught ball watching, which is always a concern. Despite that, he had a solid game, looked in control at the back and wasn’t put under any great pressure. 6.5/10

Mattia De Sciglio: Where to start? There’s a tendency to look at the flashy full-backs, the ones that deliver the great crosses and contribute in the final third, but those same players can all too easily be caught unawares at the back. De Sciglio is starting to deliver at both ends: He provided the cross to open the scoring, and at the back, his concentration and focus is such that it’s akin to having a third CB. He has come on leaps and bounds for a player that looked to be low on confidence when he joined from Milan. 8.0/10

Alex Sandro: To say he could have had a hattrick in the first half might sound an exaggeration, but such was his play and his desire. A new contract seems to have improved his overall play and he looks a player focused again after a season of speculation. He was dynamic in the final third, eager to score or create something – A throwback to the player of a few seasons back. Superb. 7.5/10

 

Midfield

Rodrigo Bentancur: Another immense showing from young Rodrigo where he mustered no fewer than eight tackles during the game, breaking up Roma attacks and distributing the ball all over the pitch – He’s been afforded a chance to impress this season, and he has repaid that faith with a string of fine displays so far. He has tenacity, a bit of bite in his game, he simply needs to work on his timing and positioning and perhaps offer a little more in the attacking third. 8.0/10

Miralem Pjanic: Another game where he failed to influence the match in a meaningful way. I think he looks a little tired and jaded and could benefit from a game or two away. 6.0/10

Blaise Matuidi: I simply cannot fault his hunger or desire, but when he gets to a certain point on the pitch, he has a habit of tangling himself up and making mistakes. There were some really encouraging link-ups with Ronaldo, but he really needs to be a little more composed when he’s in the opposition half. 6.0/10

 

Attack

Mario Mandzukic: Big-game Mario is a moniker that is all too deserving of the the giant Croat – He plays to make a difference against the traditional opponents and his track record this year against the big teams is quite exceptional. He’s a player to rely on in the tough moments and in a game like this where we knocked and knocked, you need a Mario to batter down the door if you get no answer. Exceptional, and that doesn’t include his tackling and defensive output. 8.5/10

Cristiano Ronaldo: I was going to mark him lower, but that would take away from the chances he created or the sterling display from Olsen in the Roma goal – He and the the Swede seemed to have a personal duel of sorts, and it was a credit to the Roma keeper that he managed to reply to every Ronaldo effort. In another game, on another night, young Ron would have managed three first half goals along. 7.0/10

Paulo Dybala: Some great play with his key passes but I’m still of the opinion that he shouldn’t be playing the creative role in this Juve side. We miss his goals and in a game like this, in a more advanced role, he’d have had a more direct impact, especially as he can finish. That said, he linked up play well, but it’s a shame to see him playing this subdued role. 6.5/10

 

Substitutes

Emre Can: Bought a little steel to the Juve midfield and kept the team ticking over as we looked to close out the game. 6.0/10

Douglas Costa: His energy helped push Roma back as they mustered a late effort. Honestly deserved a goal for his brilliant running, had VAR not called for a foul that originated in 1897. N/A