Federico Bernardeschi
Key to Juventus’ improved performance in midweek was their ability to pick the gaps in Salernitana’s 5-3-2 block and progress upfield swiftly and efficiently. Bernardeschi, operating from the left half-space when Juve had the ball, played a big part in this.
The Italian returned to the starting XI on Tuesday following his bright second-half display in the Atalanta defeat. On that occasion, though, everything Juve did felt a little haphazard and off the cuff. On the contrary, there was structure and mutual understanding in Salerno which brought the best out of Bernardeschi.
The Italian international struck a good relationship with surging left-back Pellegrini, with the pair interchanging smartly down their flank to disrupt Salernitana’s defensive structure.
While there was little by way of final third production on Bernardeschi’s behalf, his work in the second phase, in manipulating the opposition and creating space for teammates were exemplary. Allegri must retain him in the same function on Sunday night. Leave Rabiot on the bench, please.