Juventus became just the second team to beat Palermo at the Renzo Barbera this season, courtesy of a sublime goal from Alvaro Morata.
The Bianconeri reverted to a 3-5-2 formation and there was a welcome return for Andrea Barzagli, while Paolo De Ceglie and Stefano Sturaro finally started a game.
Juve controlled the game well, limiting Palermo’s chances to a few shots from distance and corners. Fernando Llorente was replaced by Alvaro Morata and it was the young Spaniard who made the difference, beating the defence and curling his effort past Sorrentino.
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Gianluigi Buffon
Absolutely nothing to do the entire game. Zip. Nada. In fact, he didn’t have a single save to make. Greatly aided by the fact he had Barzagli back in a 3-man defence.
6.0 / 10
Stephan Lichtsteiner
A hard working display from the Swiss Express. Zipped in some really great crosses, got angry at Palermo a lot of the time and defended Juve’s lead with real gusto.
6.5 / 10
Leonardo Bonucci
Seemingly at his best when he plays in a back 3 and alongside Barzagli. Composed throughout the game, kept Dybala quiet all night and limited Palermo’s attacks.
6.5 / 10
Giorgio Chiellini
Stifled the life out of the Palermo attack and rarely troubled by Dybala or Vazquez.
6.5 / 10
Andrea Barzagli
Superb return to the starting XI. Perfectly measured and timed tackles, made Juventini realise just what they missed all these months.
7.0 / 10
Paolo De Ceglie
Did his job without any fuss. Defended when required, made the occasional foray into the opposition half but largely quiet for most of the game.
6.0 / 10
Claudio Marchisio
Powerhouse performance in midfield, harried and attacked, kept Dybala and Vazquez in his pocket for most of the night and provided the assist for the winner.
7.0 / 10
Stefano Sturaro
Solid start in Juve colours. A battling midfielder, not afraid to put his foot in when required. Injured in the first half and replaced by Vidal.
6.0 / 10
Roberto Pereyra
Hard-working display, tried to crete opportunities and nearly managed to set Juve up on the counter. Worked well at the back to keep the lead intact.
6.0 /10
Carlos Tevez
Bought two fine saves out of Sorrentino and gave the Palermo defence no respite.
6.5 / 10
Fernando Llorente
Disappointing again. His only tellign contribution was being caught offside.
5.5 / 10
Substitutes
Arturo Vidal
Kept Juve ticking over in midfield but rarely created or contributed anything of note.
6.0/10
Alvaro Morata
Made an instant impact, pulling the Palermo defence all over. Scored the winner with a perfectly curled effort that bent around Sorrentino. Superb.