The match began with a confident, probing Napoli side eager to push us onto the back foot. Which wasn’t to be for whilst they were attacking in numbers, they were creating holes in the midfield which we threatened to puncture. The first half soon developed into a pattern of this nature, with fairly even possession, Juve trying to draw out the opposing midfield or cycling the ball to the flanks, ceding the ball to then spring into life with swift counters to try catch Napoli outnumbered when committing men forward.
A couple of chances came and went, mainly for Khedira, who couldn’t quite get on the end of a lovely Sandro pass and of course Higuain, who was put through almost one-on-one and looked certain to score but was thwarted by an expert piece of last ditch, perfectly timed defending. There was also a chance for Lichsteiner, who blasted horribly over with the goal close to gaping!
Other than the rare goal-mouth action, the majority of chances falling to Juve, we lost Chiellini to injury just before the break with what looked like a muscular problem. Such a shame given his barn storming return to the first team of late. In his place, Allegri elected to deploy Cuadrado, altering the tactics to a notionally rear back four with the midfield almost too odd and changeable in shape to define as anything specific. Though I shall make a stab at it…
Unorthodox to say the least, yet the regular 3-5-2 changes to several variants throughout the course of a game, as did this formation. One of the major changes which Allegri has brought to Juve is a transition from Conte’s far more rigid, regimented system to much greater encouragement for players to express themselves as the situation best demands, rather than run like ethiopian olympians on fixed paths. Yes there are positions, but the midfield and wingbacks are fluid. However, this was a new one for me…perhaps more commonly 3-4-1-2 than any other.
Both teams emerged from the tunnel for the second half with increased zeal, the game restarting at a lively pace. And it came as no surprise to see the deadlock broken on 50′. A defensive howler by Ghoulam sent the ball spinning in the air and back towards goal with Big Leo in the right place at the right time to thunder in a left footed volley from 12 yards out for 1-0. It was an emphatic finish.
Still, as in previous games, we often switch off after scoring, which is a horrible habit and must be addressed and crushed. Less than five minutes after taking the lead, Insigne picked out Callejon in the area for a decent, yet fairly simple finish past Buffon to bring the sides level. The marking was non existent with the Spaniard able to escape the attentions of two in black and white for an unhindered strike.
With both sides going for the win, it was Juve who began to emerge as the more dominant and capable. Marchisio appeared in the 68th minute for the awfully absent Pjanic and soon after we regained the lead. With Higuain picking the ball up outside the box, chipping in to Khedira…the Argie Master followed up on the loose ball to launch an excellent first time left foot drive past the hapless and always annoying Reina.
He could and should have had another after a decent team move saw a cross find his head, yet with others in front of him in line with the flight of the ball, we can forgive him this once!
There was a late brief scramble in the box to concern the home side, but it was a scramble involving only Juve players. A few bothersome passes to invite pressure aside, we closed the game out fairly comfortably for a deserved and important victory against one of our two major rivals for the title. At last we had won a game against high quality opposition.
Player Ratings
Buffon – Largely untested and could do little about the goal. Somewhat shaky in his distrubution late on when we were trying to play out the game. 6
Bonucci – Staggering masterclass of a performance. Big Leo was unflinching in his tackling, covering, passing and plundered the opening goal with devastating power. More often than not one of the world’s finest defenders. 8
Barzagli – Such is his prowess that he actually seemed to improve when moved to the rarely tested DCL position after Chiellini’s injury. No fuss, no nonsense, calm and composed throughout. An exceptional stalwart of the black and white army. 7
Chiellini – Combative until his departure due to injury. He will be missed, but perhaps the back four-ish we morphed into as a result of his removal is something to build upon. 6
Lichsteiner – He brought courage, adventure, defensive muscle and also whining and rustiness! What more can we expect of a player who has barely featured this term. Showed his professionalism by sticking carefully and competently to a deeper role when Cuadrado appeared on the scene.7
Sandro – He is yet to have a poor game, but was close to it in this one. Yet he dealth well enough with the forages into his defensive zone and showed good strength when moving the play forward. 6.5
Khedira – Yet again nowhere near involved as much as we need him to be. This advanced position works well against the lame, but becomes listless when facing well organised, capable foes. Worked hard, yet I remain eager to see him rested and Sturaro to take his place. Just for a game or two. Give the man a chance to take breath after starting more games on the trot than ever before for Juve. 6
Hernanes – Monstrous! Hardly impeccable when on the ball, yet gave everything, threw himself into challenges and did not once offer any quarter to the opponents. A lame shot or three aside, this was a swash-buckling effort from the Brazillian, and what I hope for of anyone set as our regista is that he makes his presence felt. On this measure, Hernanes was decent. 7
Pjanic – Outmuscled, outhustled and rarely involved. He has yet to find his feet in our squad and system and this was a game where we needed him to show. He failed to do so. Set piece work has become not just his bread and butter, but his sole input of value to our performances. Presently, the large money spent seems wasted. I hope for improvement, which may not come until…unless…we pretty much reconfigure our tactics to play him in a system akin to his Roman adventure. Yet with Marchisio now back, and the team showing signs of life everywhere but in his role and Khedira’s role, we have Asamoah soon to challenge for a more dynamic option. 5
Cuadrado – Outstanding! Our man of the match. Juan not only contributed a handful of top drawer crosses, he also defended with quality. He literally owned the right flank. If only he could reproduce such form week in, week out, we would have a major talent in our hands. I will re-open my jury and hope he can use this showing as a building block, to continue in the same vein. He was not world class, but he was superb. 8
Higuain – An exceptional player. Learning to come deep in the absence of Dybala, creating the play as much as eager to score. Physically imperious, and scored 1 of 3 decent chances forged by his own determination. His goal may well prove worth its weight in gold. He has been outstanding since the first game, and continues to threaten goals in every game. 8
Mandzukic – Finding his rhythm slowly but surely, the big man was worthy of commendation, for his endeavour, for sticking to the task. No obvious chances, but his work was reliable. 6.5
Marchisio – Quality personified. Whether finding himself surrounded by two players and irking out a decent pass, or moving the ball swiftly to create another attack, Claudio was astonishingly sharp considering this was his second game since April. We are very clearly a better side with his presence, and I am extremely excited of how much we can improve as a team as he regains match sharpness. 7
This was probably our finest performance of the season to date. From start to finish we maintained a decent level of concentration and determination, with several players giving their all and finding just reward for their endeavour. On the balance of chances created we were superior and despite the game providing a fair amount of heated moments, we managed to keep our heads and finally reveal ourselves as worthy champions elect.
Allegri got his tactics spot on, with the decision to remove a spare defender and add width on the right proving a master stroke, for the much maligned Juan Cuadrado gave one of his strongest showings in our colours, rarely putting a foot wrong and constantly taking the game to the opposition. Hernanes also proved resolute and immensely aggressive, fortunate perhaps to remain on the field without receiving his marching orders, but I enjoyed that grit, it has been sorely lacking in recent weeks.
The only negative of an enjoyable victory was Pjanic who continues to find himself unable to provide value in any part of the game but set piece deliveries. Whether he is playing too high or too far from the ball is down to the player, not our tactics, for he is too often well out of the game, to such a degree, that it is easy to forget he is even present.
A quick word on Il Principino, who looks instantly at home and classy. His distribution, concentration and solid technique were a joy to behold. And he is only going to improve game after game. Having him back in th squad is a huge bonus and is already giving the squad a lift. Claudio simply does everything well.
Napoli were strong, yet also irritating and undignified in their behaviour. Too much rolling around, going down too easily, baiting their opponents with even their manager showing his lack of class when demanding a yellow card for a nothing challenge. That transmits to the players and the only other manager who comes to mind who is often an enemy of propriety is Mourinho. Still, it comes as no surprise given the character of their owner…
This was a Juve side which made me proud, filled me with passion and found me kicking every ball, scything down every opponent, chasing every ball with my own spirit. Perhaps it is the turning point in a season of solid results, yet haphazard performances. We shall find out more on that score when Lyon visit for what could prove a pivotal tie in our quest for qualification for the knock-out stage of the champions league.
A job well done.
forza juve
Good show Juve. Cuadrado did a superb on the floor crab like pincer retrieval of a ball from a Napolitano! His talent is unorthodox, but it is there nonetheless.
Indeed I saw that crab routine, and what pleased me most was that he appeared more focused and importantly more direct, and his decision making was vastly improved. Now we just have to sort out Khedira (just needs a break) and mainly Pjanic. We cannot approach anywhere near our maximum unless he starts to pull his weight.
Indeed chap, Pjanic is starting to be a worry in my head too now CM is back (and Sami’s woes have been ‘contained’ without too much damage). Is he keeping up with goal rate as last year or falling behind? I assumed he was bought as the missing creative mid to replace Pirlo, but he does not seem to be doing a whole load of that. It’s almost if we have split that role out between the entire midfield and WB’s, and Max just asks Pjanic to try and ‘fit in’ somewhere.
I believe you may be right, comrade, in terms of the direction from the boss. I also believe that Pjanic will not be anywhere near his best if he is asked to defend, and petty much needs to be deployed behind the strikers. Which he tries to do even in the 3-5-2 and variants, with others more naturally well versed in moving in and out of the same area, so he rarely finds the ball.
As I wrote or thought a while back, our success this season depends hugely on Marchiso’s return, which so far is so welcome and top quality.
Pjanic is well below what we should be getting from him. The system is one problem, yet great players find space, and Allegri is far from demanding of zonal persistence, so I look more to the responsibility of the player.
When Chiellini got injured and I saw Benatia stretching, I was like “ok”. When I saw Cuadrado come in instead…. uff. Mad Max at it again. Then, when Marchisio came in, everything fell into place.
I think Pjanic needs to improve and be used better… but I think once Marchisio is back 100% and we have both Dybala and Pjaca available to link up with, we’ll see the best of Pjanic.
Also, maybe this will convince Lichty that he needs to stay. Cuadrado never put his position in the squad in jeopardy, they can play together quite successfully. And Alves can’t play EVERY game. Hopefully the issues between Stephan and the club can be resolved… though I think the damage is permanent. 🙁
Marchisio is the way, the truth, and the light <3
Why so much discredit toward cuadrado?! :p hes an extremely quality player and has a very uncommon playing style. Plus hes proven to be essential in the Cl.
Lichsteiner only has so much to offer. Yes hes an excellent Rb, but Alves and Cuadrado offer more of what we need. Imo.
Neither Alves or Cuadrado have anywhere near the defensive assurance of a match sharp Stephan, and in terms of total assists and contribution to team goals, I doubt either are supremely more efficient than the Swiss Locomotive!
I can’t agree to that mate.. Cuadrado extreme quality? Essential? He is fast yeah and scores the odd goal now and then, but that’s it. Too many people think he’s some sort of Messi.
Lichtsteiner is defensively the best out of the three mentioned, by far. Offensively he isn’t that much worse either, Alves has better crosses and Cuadrado is faster. Nobody brings the grinta Lichtsteiner does
Lichsteiner is by far the best defensive, attacking wise there is a huge gap. The difference is attacking intellect. Alves and Cuadrado both have a far superior attacking intellect and incstinct to lich
Alves and Cuadrado are just more offensive minded, thats true. Still, I would not speak of a huge gap. Lichtsteiner is always there, presenting himself, always part of the combination forward. He isnt as stylish as the south americans, but he is the fiercest fighter.
Cuadrado blows more chances than he creates because he doesnt have the technical skills to beat defenders 1 on 1! The goals he does score do have a Knack of being important ones, but that doesnt make him Messi! Krasic was bad anyway, he played what, a handful of decent games before he was dropped and sold off?:P
Only Alves is a clear cut above Cuadrado and Lichtsteiner when it comes to attacking.
Cmon… Cuadrado is faster , trickier, a better finisher, better at link up play and anything else you can think of when it comes yo the attacking aspect. Play Lich as the Rw and he d locked out for the entirery of the game…
Just faster mate. He relies solely on his speed. If he cant race past a defender, he either stumbles into him and loses the ball or fires it wide. Usually the best we get is that he gets hauled down and we receive a free kick or a penalty.
What makes him better in link up play than Lichty? Lichty is everywhere on his flank. He also scores the odd goal, he was the first to score in our new stadium for example. He just isnt fancy at all.
He isnt a RW, he is RB or RWB, but locked out, how so?
I dont even mean to criticise Juan, I just want to point out he is absolutely no gifted football god among mortals. He is useful in his own way, but not good enough to start for Juve.
Maybe i just enjoy his south american style…
But in terms of lonk up play, look at how many timeshe and dybala link up on that flank and create something out nothing… Even if it doesnt necassaeily lead togoal
Thats Dybala, he links up great with anyone in the team and you can expect him to beat multiple defenders and possibly score or assist. The skills he has are amazing!
I wont continue to push my view on Cuadrado though, it is not what I meant to do.
He can be a joy to watch sometimes, but usually I am frustrated with him
No discredit at all, I was more praising Max’s decision to replace Chiellini with Cuadrado, since I didn’t see it coming one bit. The “uff” was a surprised and happy “uff”. When Cuadrado does what he’s supposed to, he’s a great player.. I think the problem begins (like with many other players) when he tries to become something he isn’t. Also, the weird system works in his favor.. specially having Lichtsteiner behind to cover for him defensively.
I think we should have all three, to be honest. In the aforementioned system, Alves isn’t as strong defensively as Lichty, but in my opinion he is better offensively.. and like I’ve said from the beginning, I don’t think Cuadrado was going to be a part of that equation – Juve has at most TWO strong players per role, no sense in having three. Cuadrado was brought in to play in front of (or beside, at most) either Alves or Licht, not instead of, so it wasn’t like he was supposed to compete with two more people for his spot, just one………. soooo I was disappointed in Stephan for throwing a tantrum and deciding to leave.. and then saying in an interview that there’s nothing for him in this new Juve, which I think is very obviously not true, looking at how they played on Saturday. I think he feels entitled to the starting role only because of seniority and was hurt when we bought another “star” for the role. That can happen.. and I’m sure Mandzo had the same ideas running through his head, but Mandzo dealt with it in a more mature way.. his words (via his agent, so probably not entirely his’ but at least publicly his’) were “I understand a big team needs to have lots of champions to achieve our objectives, so I’m glad – the more the merrier”.
Anyway.. the whole situation makes me feel bad. Lichty has been one of my most favorite players in these past 5 years, from the very first time I saw him play in our colors.. and I never thought he’d be one to throw in the towel so easily.
Not really an entertaining game but a victory is a victory. Very little creativity from both sides, pjanic you disappoint comrade! Napoli wasn’t very impressive from my standpoint either, both goals we scored just seem random and sloppy from their sloppy defending. I guess thats what happens when we don’t have Dybala’s magic on the offensive side. Not much seemed to go right yesterday, if anything both goals were gifts from Napoli’s sloppy clearing. Maybe I am being a pessimist but it just looks like we can’t really win a big game with an impressive victory. By all means this is really the first big team we’ve beaten all year. I am happy Claudio is back and hats off to Allegri again for pulling off another victory. I echo his sentiment with “this game isn’t decisive, the champions league game is”, perhaps thats where allot of our focus was. I would’ve been satisfied with a draw to be honest as I am anxious about the CL game, we have a chance to win the group and this is where our focused should be at for now.
I struggled to keep up with the game… But may i ask what is it you expect from pjanic? Because, from what ive seen, hes been quality to say the least. He gets his self in numerous goal scoring positions, has a creative eye and does what the coach asks of hom.
And especially with Marchisio slowly getting back to the staring line up, Pjanic should start to flourish.
John! Pjanic is a player of outstanding technical ability and vision. He often played quite deep at Roma, yet had always 1-2 destroyers nearby in Radja and De Rossi, which gave him time to find the ball absent of pressure and to pick out a pass. He has the ability to thread balls through to intelligent runners, the closest we have had to Pirlo since he departed the ranks. From a stats perspective, he is loosely in line with achieving the same assists and goals as he found in Rome last year, but he is playing in a better team, and should be producing more.
I suspect that we will not see the best of him until he finds the chance to play behind the strikers, or deeper, centrally with a fully fit Marchisio.
I don’t understand why he isn’t doing that right now!
Meaning Pjanic playing behind the strikers.
He and Khedira should trade places ASAP. I don’t know who told Khedira he could be a trequartista or whatever it is he is trying to do. I get so frustrated seeing him in the box trying to score. I have never seen anyone struggling so much. He almost looks like Mandzukic. Play him in front of our backline and Pjanic behind our attack. And you will see a whole new Juve midfield. Pita Bread will also get a lot more balls. As it is, the guy is very isolated.
I dont think Kheidra is at all playibg a Cam role. From what i see, hes a box to box who makes piercing runs forward. He could easily been our top goal scorer now if it was wasnt for his poor finishing. But i agree, hes no Cam. His disconfort in front of the final third is extremely noticeable.
I think it has much to do with the injuries to the defence and especially the absence of Marchisio. Allegri has been unable to call upon his most trusted central midfielder, and so has maintained the status quo, hoped we would pick up points, as we have done, then I assume once Il Principino is match sharp, he will try the 4-3-1-2.
I understand what you mean in terms of swapping him with Khedira, but to be fair Pjanic has been playing high up the field in a similar position, opposite Big Sami. He just fails to get involved, or find the ball as often.
The game had very little in entertainment value so i hear you on that. I expect Pjanic to be more consistent. I know he is new to the team and has had a few good games but he was a shadow against Napoli. What you get from him is usually someone that can unlock defenses and provide the creativity spark we need. Its allot to ask but it comes with the position and club, he is no longer in Roma where the expectations are mediocre at best.
I agree with the summary given to Hernanes. He does a great job of recycling, passing and shifting the play from one side of the pitch to the other. I was actually fearful that he was doing too well and that he might actually have a chance to edge Marchisio out of the starting line up… But then Il Principino took foot unto the pitch and all that fear drifted away as deliciately as his inch pefect passing and everything else he does because hes perfect <3
Italian media were harsh on Hernanes giving him 5.0 and 4,5 rating (the worst at Juve)
Hernanes gets a lot of trash. The guy is great back up. He would start in many other serie a side. He was an important figure at Lazio.
I am unsure if I would say he is great, but the very least I can ask of any midfielder is to show himself, be a menace and presence, and on this score, Hernanes was fine in the Napoli game.
In my eyes, if you put on the Juve jersey, you are great in some regard of the word :p
I continue to regard Hernanes as a nothing player. Should have been sold in the summer.
I said the same thing in the summer. He should have been should along with Mandzukic, and at this point if we can con Wenger into buying Lemina for 20+ millions I would say sell.
The thing that I am most baffled about regarding Hernanes, is all that he was good at in Lazio. Meaning long distance shots and amazing dribbling skills seems to be blown away. Hernanes has turned into this boring player without any confidence or flamengo flare. When he tries to dribble he loses the ball, and when he tries to take a shot it’s far from ok. Such a shame. He has become a shadow of his former self.
I don’t think Lemina should be sold just yet, he has been inconsistent but at times has shown flashes of world class. Keep in mind he is only 23 years old, yet to hit his peak. Given how injury prone our team seems to be I’d be against selling him unless you can get an upgrade. Sure Betancur looks promising but whether he is a step above Lemina is yet to bee seen. I said it before the season started “Lemina will be a revelation” so far it looks like I am eating my own words, although there is still about 25 games to be played. At the moment Hernanes is necessary, what comes out of the next transfer window is yet to be seen. If Witsel does arrive than we have a few expandable players on the squad.
I’ve come to be thankful for his presence this season. Failure to bring in Witsel, the long term injury for Marchiso and zero value shown in the DM role by Lemina and Pjanic, left us basically with nowt but Hernanes to turn to to offer any semblance of balance to the midfield, or to change the system entirely. Allegri chose to stick with the 3-5-2 routine, which demands a DM. For me, Hernanes – up until the return of Marchisio of late – has been the sole player to provide any presence or basic value in that role. Hardly classy, but he is present, and does the basic things better than the others we have tried as the DM.
If Witsel comes in, and Claudio continues to revive, there is no need for Hernanes after Christmas, same to be said for next Summer.
Good job he wasn’t eh Martin! Otherwise we would have been well and truly screwed this season so far. He has maintained a consistency that no one else in midfield has this year. We have needed him to keep some semblance of quality play in a very underwhelming midfield by previous years standards.
Yes, midfield is a big weakness and – realistically – it is impossible to imagine us winning the CL with what we have available in that department. Can’t agree about Hernanes. Simply don’t rate his contribution at all. Bit of a Lucas Leiva – can’t score goals, can’t make chances, has no real pace, not much use in the air, gives away loads of fouls…Sturaro no better, of course and Claudio will probably be injured again soon. Disappointed with Khedira’s contribution thus far.
Right ok, but he’s still been our best midfielder on average so far. That makes him an asset right now, since we are committed to our squad until January.
To go through your points, taking into account the role Max has him play more often than not: he’s not there to score goals, he plays too deep to be able to make lots of chances (Pjanic should be doing that), he doesn’t need pace to do what he is tasked to do, not many mids are that great in the air and if your team is not having or turning over possession too often (as we have in too many matches) then a CM/DM is going to be in the wars more often than many others outside of the defensive trio. I would rather a player had been involved and prepared to put in a fighting performance inducing fouls rather than a tame lack of effort….No names but far too often this season players we shall call Lemina and Sami have been guilty of that.