What a fabulous performance, the approach was correct and that early goal did its job well. A big blow in losing Pogba but a change in system that took around 8 minutes to get the machinery working as it should. Impressive way to adapt to a different tactics while losing one of your key players, it shows maturity and high tactical awareness which gives a big credit to the coach. While Bonucci was a monster in defence, seeing Barzagli was refreshing but best of all was seeing an alert and hungry Chiellini without any mistakes. Lichtsteiner had probably his best game of the season while Vidal did lots of clumsy fouls in the first showed glimpses of his true self in the second half. Marchisio had the whole team working as it should by his positioning and workload, really impressive. Last but not least, the forwards were not only clinical but their speed, movement and understanding of each other's positions was impressive, it's really amazing how good Tevez and Morata are partnering with each other. The both add a great defensive effort and when going forward they are so damn good in taking their defender. We enter the quarter final in a totally different shape than we did two years ago. I am looking forward for the draw on Friday.
Buffon N.R
Barzagli 7
Bonucci 7.5
Chiellini 7
Lichtsteiner 7
Vidal 6.5
Marchisio 7.5
Pereyra 7
Evra 6.5
Morata 7
Tevez 8.5
Pogba N.R
Matri N.R
Pepe N.R