Juventus had to come from behind to defeat Napoli 3-1 with Cristiano Ronaldo and Mario Mandzukic stealing the show.
Juventus Player Ratings
Wojciech Szczęsny: Foot perfect and great awareness for much of the game, one mishap aside – Made a superb save in the second half and he wasn’t to blame for the Napoli opener as his defence left him utterly exposed. 6.5/10
Leonardo Bonucci: There are some worrying signs regarding Bio Leo’s judgement, especially when he’s pressured in key moments. Made a horrible wayward pass that directly led to Napoli’s goal – redeemed himself partially by scoring Juve’s third to seal the victory. 5.5/10
Giorgio Chiellini: A couple of important clearances for the captain but there were moments when the defence was lacking it’s normal focus in the big games and Chiello could have done better with the chances he had in the opposition half. 6.0/10
Joao Cancelo: Three key tackles and two clearances in the defensive phase and an all round strong performance from the full-back who has improved the right flank exponentially. 6.5/10
Alex Sandro: A little more defensive of late and perhaps with Ronaldo ahead of him, he’s needed more at the back. 6.0/10
Midfield
Emre Can: Made three key passes, completed all his tackles, linked up very well with both Matuidi and Pjanic and is fast becoming the imposing figure we need in midfield right now. Worth noting his brilliant run into the box to draw two defenders with him, allowing Mandzukic space to equalise. 6.5/7.0
Miralem Pjanic: Played a crucial role at the back when defending against Napoli’s impressive attack and played some brilliant passes that helped Juve spring forward – Arguably his best performance of the season. 7.5/10
Blaise Matuidi: Often criticized for his first touch and end product in the final third, but everything before that is very impressive. His work-rate, his tackling, passing, awareness, positioning – Hard to fault any of it. 7.0/10
Attack
Paulo Dybala: Another subdued performance from the youngster and perhaps we’ll only see the best of him when he is playing as a forward rather than an attacking midfielder. 6.0/10
Cristiano Ronaldo: Exceptional. We signed him for the big moments in the big games, and he understood the occasion. At the forefront of the attack, having eight shots on goal and five on target. Provided the most deft cross for Mandzukic to equalise and set up another as well – played a part in the third goal too and this was his best game so far in black and white. 8.0/10
Mario Mandzukic: In the right place at the right time to net Juve’s equaliser with a lovely header before finishing the rebound on Ronaldo’s shot. Always present in the Napoli defence to trouble Albiol and Koulibaly and even tracked back to sit in front of the defence when Napoli pressured. Remarkable. 8.0/10
Substitutes
Rodrigo Bentancur: A little off the pace at times and his passing was missing. Need to play a few more games and bring himself up to speed. 5.5/10
Federico Bernardeschi: Entered the game late on and immediately relieved pressure on the Juve midfield – Played some key passes and showed that he warrants inclusion from the start. 6.5/10
Juan Cuadrado: A brief cameo. N/A
