Palermo 0 -3 Juventus
Palermo 0 – 3 Juventus
Entering this game with a semblance of form and confidence after despatching Man City mid-week and our recent results – if not our performances – improving domestically Allegri decided to stick with the 3-5-2 swapping only the wide men. In came Evra and Cuadrado for Lichsteiner and Sandro.
Setting themselves up in a diamond formation in the middle, Palermo came out the traps with eagerness and belief. The first ten minutes were even if not finding the home side in the ascendency, yet no major chances were created. After which we began to impose ourselves upon proceedings, working the ball left then right then left then right, hoping to make inroads through the open flanks.
Whilst we were in control, we were not making many chances, forced to bypass the middle of the park and fling balls into the box or hope that Cuadrado could beat his man and create a goal scoring opportunity. For himself or others.
We improved after the break, mainly through attrition. Palermo became less composed, sat back and waited for the faltering counters, of which, only a chance for Giardino registered as any real threat. It took a wonderful cross from Dybala to open the scoring; the giant Mandzukic – whose movement was decent throughout – forcing the issue at the back post for 0-1. After which confidence grew in the ranks. A flurry of half chances appeared yet it wasn’t until very late on with Zaza and Morata showing fresh legs that we made the most of our technical superiority.
0-3 seemed a little harsh on Palermo yet we deserved the victory with a composed, ultra solid showing. It bodes well to see us regaining solidity at the back with a well earned clean sheet and to continue this undefeated cycle, which now stretches back to the 1-0 loss to Sassuolo in late October. One defeat in twelve, creeping up the league table, progression in Europe. The future looks much more pleasant than a month back.
Player Ratings
Buffon – 6.5
Had very little to do and looked as fresh at the finish as he did at the start. I am still not keen on his role as Capitano, yet his experience and love for the club place him presently above any other possibilities.
Bonucci – 6
A definite change in Big Leo this term. Whether directed or personal, only time will tell, for I am accustomed to seeing him bring the ball out of defence in a back three, presenting a libero element in our back line to support the midfield and play the ball long often. However, there is very little of either presently. Is this coached? Or due to the lack of confidence which surely comes from a defensive unit which has been shipping far too many goals due to clumsy errors? Missed a perfect chance with a header from close range. Regardless, Big Leo kept things simple and did well enough.
Andrea Barzagli – One of the most under-rated defenders in the galaxy. Finding his NOTHING SHALL PASS consistency…About time.
Barzagli – 7
Booked when it seems another committed anything resembling a foul, other than which was superb. We really are immensely strong with his leadership and intelligence in a back three. He is approaching his finest form, as are several others, and its his inclusion in the 3-5-2 which brings me and likely his colleagues confidence.
Chiellini – 7
No silly mistakes, supported the attack when possible, tackled well, won everything in the air. Finding form. At last!
Cuadrado – 6
Useless defensively, and average in the final third. The Colombian enjoys taking his man on, yet his distribution and end product in general require either more options or a more steely focus. When tasked with picking up possession deep, we do not see his best. Tried hard to make things happen, but too many bodies in the box to pick out the killer pass and whilst he passed his marker plenty of times, he had nowhere to go. Perhaps should be reserved for a 4-3-3.
Sturaro – 7
Battled hard as always, found a couple of chances in his typical last second style and held the midfield together with his back tracking and covering. Always eager to drive forward, Stefano is proving a very positive signing. Took his goal superbly.
Marchisio – 6
Il principino suffered from the congested midfield and found it hard to produce anything worthwhile offensively, yet was always looking and stuck to the nitty gritty with professional zeal. With Sturaro still learning his movement and Cuadrado naturally settling into a RW role, Claudio was forced to remain fairly deep throughout, shielding the defence and attempting to recycle the ball between the flanks or on those rare occasions, through the middle. Still moving up the gears. I am content to simply see him playing and remain fit. A vital cog, even when seemingly quiet.
Pogba. A Titan in the making, slowly finding his rhythm, yet must do better…A poor season thus far.
Pogba – 6.5
Grew into the game as it progressed. A couple of long range efforts which on another day would have troubled the keeper. A handful of wonderful passes, yet I cannot help but expect more of the gallant gall. I do not think we will see the best of him, or the team as a whole, until/unless Khedira is fit for a lengthy period. Played his part beautifully in the second goal, other than which was always a bother for Palermo. Capable of so much more.
Evra – 7
Extremely solid defensively and offered what he could going forward. His mentality is wonderful. Rarely gives the ball away, has an impressive awareness of who is around him, still a brilliant asset in his twilight years. Does he give us less offensively than Sandro? Undoubtedly. Yet he locks down the flank in the defensive phase. At least when playing against a diamond midfield. Sturdy and comfortable throughout.
Mandzukic – 7
His movement is improving alongside his sharpness. Given Morata’s recent showings, I agree with Allegri in that the croatian offers more assurances. Took his goal splendidly. Forced a decent save from the keeper with another effort and seems to be developing cohesion within the side. His experience is vital to our chances. And until Morata appears much improved, I repeat; he deserves to start ahead of the spaniard. I think that is 4 goals in his last 5 starts. Which is encouraging.
Dybala – 6.5
Learning to play between the lines. Delivered the perfect cross for the opener. Fizzed about all over the final third, seeking the ball, looking for openings. He needs to improve physically, other than which, I cannot move past his quality to carve apart the resolute palermo defence which broke the deadlock.
SUBS
Morata 6.5
Helped with the 2nd and 3rd goals, yet otherwise seemed a lost soul. Needs to find his rhythm, or to score a couple. Either his head or his body seems out of kilter.
Lichsteiner – 6.5
Bustling along the right flank with perhaps more potency than Cuadrado. Great to see him fit and on the field, fighting for every ball, bombing forward at any opportunity.
Zaza took his goal wonderfully. Yet will he remain content with a bit part role from the bench? His development stunted and runted and cunted; he can only respond with goals.
Zaza – 7
Not much time to impress, yet impress he did, forcing his way into an opening and finishing with composure. Continues to remind me of Vialli!
Conclusion
We played fairly well. Maintained our shape. Probed without much penetration. Missed a couple of chances, won handsomely. Against a poor Palermo bereft of invention; keep Vazquez quiet and you keep Palermo quiet.
Allegri has hedged his bets, and after a wretched start, we are regaining a semblance of pride. I hope that form will follow.
Some positives, other than the result…No more injuries. Dominating defensively. Taking our chances. Other than which, I still find absence of cohesion, I cannot yet judge any form and if we have any serious ambition of climbing the table towards the summit, we need a set system, we need Morata implemented, we need Sandro starting more, we need Lichsteiner surpassing Cuadrado’s fancy footwork leading to little and more than anything else, we need Sami Khedira fit to offer some much needed steel to the midfield, the engine room.
A deserved result, against a weak side. Far sterner tests are coming.
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