Well, that was something. Juventus and Inter Milan played out one of the most bizarre Derby d’Italia contests in recent memory. There were three penalties, two red cards, and a whole lot of controversy throughout the 90 minutes.
Yet in the end, the Bianconeri prevailed at the Juventus Stadium, winning 3-2 against their bitter rivals – and current champions – in what was a must-win game for them in the top-four race,
Here are the player ratings from the match.
GK Wojciech Szczesny
Wojciech Szczesny made a very important save on substitute Matias Vecino. He could do nothing about the two goals Inter scored.
Rating: 6.5
LB Alex Sandro
In all honesty, Alex Sandro did not have a good game, because he made no real contributions to Juventus offensively. Nor did he really defensively. But Sandro didn’t get caught out much either, which was more important when going up against Achraf Hakimi, who has been real nuisance for Serie A defenses this season. All in all, an average display from the long-time left back.
Rating: 6.0
CB Giorgio Chiellini
Giorgio Chiellini was a bit fortunate that his protestations led to Juve’s first goal of the afternoon from the spot, but he was not so fortunate when he pulled down Romelu Lukaku in the box and still gave up a goal. The veteran center back is still effective but makes far too many clumsy errors. That said, this was a good game from him despite his clumsiness. Because he saved a few dangerous situations by cutting out play, recording six interceptions, per WhoScored.com. His calmness on the ball also helped Juve get the win.
Rating: 7.0
CB Matthijs de Ligt
Arguably the Man of the Match for Juventus. Matthijs de Ligt heard all about how great Inter’s back three have been, especially their young center back Alessandro Bastoni. However, it was the Dutch central defender who stole the show, putting his body on the line time after time to make blocks, clearances, and interceptions. The penalty call against him was correct but not his fault. And without his interventions, Juve would not have won this match.
Rating: 8.0
RB Danilo
A quiet match from Danilo on the right side of defense. He had an equal amount of slick moments at the back and spotty moments, including one Giorgio Chiellini had to read and clear. Danilo is having a good season for Juve, but this was a more average performance from him.
Rating: 6.0
LM Federico Chiesa
Andrea Pirlo took Federico Chiesa off in the second half, as he surprisingly couldn’t make a real impact on this game. Aside from one nice aerial set-up for Dejan Kulusevski, Chiesa was on the fringes of the match.
Rating: 5.5
CM Adrien Rabiot
Adrien Rabiot was excellent and one of the best players on the pitch for Juventus. The Bianconeri needed him to step up his intensity against the Scudetto winners, and that’s exactly what the French international did. Between his great performance against Sassuolo and this display in the derby, Rabiot is really stating his case to stay. He was awesome defensively.
Rating: 7.5
CM Rodrigo Bentancur
Rodrigo Bentancur would have been scapegoated by some if Juve lost, but he was terribly unlucky to have received a second yellow card. I have a hard time seeing how that was worth a booking. Before that, he wasn’t influential on the match, but he honestly wasn’t terrible either. Still, you can see why Juventini don’t feel confident in him being a starter.
Rating: 5.0
RM Juan Cuadrado
Juan Cuadrado was right there with Matthijs de Ligt as a Man of the Match candidate for Juve, and he is the ultimate winner since his two goals were so necessary for the Bianconeri. His first was another rocket outside the box against Inter, and the second was a clutch penalty conversion that he won. The Colombian has been vital to Juve this season, and hopefully this performance earns him the praise he deserves.
Rating: 8.5
FW Cristiano Ronaldo
Andrea Pirlo made the bold decision to go defensive and sub off Cristiano Ronaldo, but it paid off. During the match, Ronaldo did his part for the club. He worked hard on both ends of the pitch and knew what was needed to help his team. Ronaldo got his goal after following up Samir Handanovic’s save of his penalty. Against tough opposition, Ronaldo was active on and off the ball and got the job done, even if we have seen more stellar performances from the No. 7, such as at mid-week against Sassuolo.
Rating: 7.0
FW Dejan Kulusevski
Dejan Kulusevski was one of the least impressive performers on the pitch for Juventus, as Andrea Pirlo’s decision to start him over either Alvaro Morata or Paulo Dybala did not pay off. It was a surprising decision, and it nearly went horribly wrong due to the Sweden international’s rash decisions. He could have been sent off in the first half as Bentancur was later. Kulu missed a good opportunity, lost the ball easily, and did precious little to help set up his teammates. Juve really need to see more from the talented 21-year-old next season. But he should still be in Turin next season.
Rating: 5.0