In the most anticipated Serie A fixture of the weekend, Juventus wasted another two points against AC Milan, drawing the game 1-1. The Bianconeri are 18th in the table after accumulating just two points from four games.
On the back of winning 3-0 against Malmo in the opening round of the UEFA Champions League 2021/22 season, it was obvious that Juventus would head into the game against Milan with boosted morale. Thus, the gloomy memories of the defeat to SSC Napoli last weekend did little to shatter Juve’s confidence, with Massimiliano Allegri structuring his side in an unchanged manner from their Champions League victory in the midweek.
the expected XI otherwise. Forza Juve! https://t.co/ZkQ4R4hTOa
— Old Juve (@OldjuveFS) September 19, 2021
Though, there was one change in personnel, with Giorgio Chiellini replacing Matthijs de Ligt at the heart of the defence.
While an early goal from Alvaro Morata helped Juve take the lead on the scoreline, Ante Rebic’s towering header brought the game to a stalemate. Based on their performances, we rate the Bianconeri players.
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Wojciech Szczęsny (6/10): The Pole had nothing serious to do all match. According to the stats of the match, he made two saves and carried out one high claim. It would not be right to make him a scapegoat for Milan’s equaliser. He could do nothing but watch the ball fly into the net via the post.
Danilo (6/10): Having Danilo and Juan Cuadrado — two of the key players for Juve — at the same was thought to be a liability for the Piedmontese side. It was once believed that Juve couldn’t use both players simultaneously. But under Allegri, that phenomenon has altered, with now Danilo occupying the third-centre-back position on the right side of Juve’s defence. On Sunday, he was tasked with keeping a close eye on Rafael Leão. He was successful in having a grip on the Portuguese but was unsuccessful in turning the individual accomplishment into collective success.
Leonardo Bonucci (6/10): Bonucci played out a commendable game against his former side. Alongside his partner in Giorgio Chiellini, he looked solid all night. Just that one moment of lack of concentration from Locatelli apparently cost Juventus the two points. As far as the Italian’s individual performance is concerned, he completed four tackles and two interceptions.
Giorgio Chiellini (6/10): Chiellini’s addition to the team was like a breath of fresh air for the Juventus defence. And the veteran master marshalled the backline in an astute manner, making two clearances and blocking two shots in the game against his arch-rivals. He was aerially assertive and dominant on the ground, winning four out of three aerial duels and four out of four ground duels.
Alex Sandro (7/10): Playing in front of a back three on Sunday night, Alex Sandro had the backing of Chiellini. He may have turned 30, but he, as a wing-back, is still an effective asset for the Old Lady. And credit should be given to Max Allegri for acknowledging that. Alex Sandro had an exceptionally pleasing ninety minutes of football. He was heavily involved in Juventus’ first goal, with the Brazilian being the one to find Paulo Dybala with a through pass while defending a corner. He made numerous darting runs down that left channel, keeping Alexis Saelemaekers always on his toes.
All the stats are taken from Whoscored.com