To their defense, Roma was forced to field a team with no midfield today,
this is esp bad for them, since the midfield is their strong point. Lacking Totti, De Rossi, Taddei, Pizarro, Aquilani, Perrotta can be a pain...
They could probably handle the same amount of injuries scattered around their team, but not in their mid line, alone...
Their defense was also pretty affected by the injuries and they had to field Loria,
that is of minor importance, but if it also adds to their great problem.
It was expected to dominate the midfield and the game. Therefore we cannot really judge the tactics applied by Spalletti, because he simply lacked the tools to apply them. The difference of quality and teamwork was so big, it was no contest.
I was actually amazed to see us struggle, as much as they did in the first 30'
We eventually have found our rythm and realized the inevitable.
Generally i agree with Jacks's ratings, they are spot on!
But i have to point out smth, at the first 30' when we committing one mistake after another, when our defense was nervous/rigid, our midfield lacked cohesion and patience, our forwards were only rushing ineffectively. We couldnt even deliver one decent pass out there and even Giovinco has problems to control the ball.
There was just one man out there, who has kept his coolness, he has been precise, methodic and effective both defensively and offensively.
He recovered many lost balls and set up many counter attacks. He hold the ball when everybody else was to rushed to hold it and contributed with ease and clear mind. That was Poulsen and he kept that pace constantly till the very end.
Therefore, he is my MoM
Iaquinta scored the goals, but he also was erratic at times, not as consistent as Poulsen
Giovinco added the spark and the decisive assist, but he was not the difference maker as the game against Chelsea, he was also mistake prone as most of our players and they wouldnt have kept it together, without the calmness and the guidance of Poulsen.
Chiellini and Mellberg were also solid rock, but there role in the game was less important and a reason for that, was Poulsen's coverage...
I am only sad that God has denied Poulsen the fact to show the 4 fingers to Totti, just like Totti has done in the past...
And a few last notes;
-DP wasnt bad, he made some brilliant touches out there and tried to create, rather than finish. The goals he scored at the previous game gave him piece and he is now again for the benefit of our team, rather his own scoring...
-I dont blame CR for subbing out Gio, it could happen later, but he looked kind of tired, he run a lot and we needed someone who could defend better, after all, we had a two goal lead and Neddy is not that bad offensively when he is rested, as he proved right away...
But i think that he should sub in Treze, at least a few moments, just to ease the tense between them...
I really enjoy Juve using short, swift passes and possession football,
this is the tactical Juve i fell in love with!! I hope to see more of that and against more competitive opponents...
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