Ratings:
Storari- 7. Positioning, bravery, anticipation, smart reflexes...he truly is one of the finest keepers I have seen in Serie A, for a long time. Almost a shame he will be relegated to the bench come late January, but a shame for him, and joy for us...As Santo Buffon will have returned to the battlefield. Until then, Storari has my full confidence. Little to do for large periods of a game, then he is alert when needs be. the sign of a top drawer keeper.
Motta- 5.5. Whether its a mental, physical or talent issue, I am unsure, but he simply hasnt found his feet in these last few months, and has done nothing to suggest we should sign him outright. Looks lost at times, and overshadowed by his 18 year old replacement in the second half.
Bonucci- 6.5. Solid and dependable...Other than perhaps one incident when he let a ball go past him with a man running in behind him, who made a desperate lunge for the ball...how close the lunge was, i couldnt tell...maybe leonardo judged it perfectly. I just prefer to see defenders, if in doubt, give it a clout...
Chiellini- 8. We are so fucking lucky to have him. Still fairly young and already, week in/week out one of the strongest centrebacks in the world. So hard to beat, to outmuscle, to outjump, and even if you do find half a yard, he attacks with more often than not perfect timing...superb, absolutely superb. I love the guy.
Grosso- 6. Credit must be given for sticking to the task, after so long out, unwanted, exiled from the squad. An unspectacular, but still proffesional performance.
Aquilani.6.5. Seemed somewhat subdued, or maybe just busier in his defensive duites than in previous games. Still used the ball intelligently, covered lots of ground, showed good stamina and spirit.
big Phil Melo 7. Regaining his stride after the injury absence. Dominated possession in midfield, passed well, tackled like a beast, lovely to see him smile, and that new haircut is perfect...for a nutcase.
Marchisio- 7. He made his own luck with the goal, other than which, he rarely got passed on the flank, had one other opportunity to square the ball for two waiting players in the middle, but chose wrongly to shoot across goal. Good stamina. Solid, perhaps showing more comfort in this new left wing position.
Krasic. 8. Scored a great goal, set up a couple of decent chances for our strikers. Direct running, often beating two men at once...and he is only just returning from a lengtht break due to injury. A fine showing, from our star player.
Quag.6.5. Worked very hard, but wasnt helped by Iaquinta's brainless movement and poor touch. His runs are better seen and found by DP. But then again, quag has been playing in a more advanced role when with DP, with VinnyCenzo, he had to move further down the field...so a change of sorts...accompanied by a change of fortune. To be fair, his shooting was a little bit tame. Still, far from an awful effort.
VinnyCenzo. 5. Easily marked, one decent effort on goal which flashed past the far post. Lacking match fitness and sharpness??? could be that, or simply that his form is always rather topsy turvy. with only his effort never been in question.
SUBS
Sorensen. 8. This kid can tackle. His timing is amazing for someone so young. Exactly the opposite applies what i have been saying about de ceglie, pre DelNeri, as in 'he has zero natural defensive talent', this kid oozes natural talent. His passing seems to be becoming already BETTER than Motta, and i give him praise for attempting a few first time cross field balls, fucking up one, hitting another perfectly, and playing the ball short and simple for the rest of the time. Surely, by now, Delneri ca nsee who is the better right back??? The 18 year old is besating Motta hands down in every area. The mark may seem high, and is, but he is 18...3 games into his professional career in the top flight of Italy. Takes some mental steel and skill to prove as dependable as he has done so far.
Sali Goblin- N/a
Momo- Shocking on the ball as always, but did make at least one beautiful crunching tackle.
Del Neri.7.5. I dont like it, but understand why he went defensive after the break. His subs made sense. Brave to play krasic from the start. Spirit in the team seems strong and proud and expectant of victory. So far, he is likely making a few juventini eat their ignorant words of criticism from earlier on in the year...He seems to have recreated that familial atmosphere and togetherness in the squad, as well as the belief in competing for the top positions.
Overall...a wicked result. Strong first half performance. Brilliant to see Krasic return, with aplomb...also Melo back to form...Chiellini an absolute monster. I would have preferred to see us using attack as the best form of defence in the second half, rather than inviting them onto us to have a go...which they did. Still, their two best efforts were against the bar, one from range, and one hit first time in the box. Other than that...they didnt really trouble us. We troubled them more, as we should, as we have better players.
So...a slight moan, that we didnt go for the jugular. But 0-2 away, to a team coming off two victories on the trot, clean shit, krasic back, melo and giorgio in regal form...im a happy man.
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