After wins against both Torino in the derby and Barcelona in the Champion's League, the Bianconeri have had a great week. To catch up on the Serie A table, however, Juventus would have to keep winning in the league.
Before the match began, a minute of silence for Italian legend Paolo Rossi. Ciao, Paolo.
STARTING XI
4-4-2
#1- Szczesny
#16- Cuadrado
#19- Bonucci
#4- De Ligt
#12- Alex Sandro
#14- McKennie
#30- Bentancur
#25- Rabiot
#22- Chiesa
#10- Dybala
#7- Ronaldo
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Despite dominating possession, Juve have a tough time scoring in the first half. In just the second minute, Cuadrado plays a freekick into the box, which first finds Bonucci and then Rabiot to the back of the net. However, his hand comes into contact with the ball and the goal is subsequently ruled out correctly. The Bianconeri get a couple more attempts in the rest of the half, but the first 45 minutes remain goalless.
Things start to turn around at the 57th minute when McKennie heads the ball upfield to Dybala. Dybala dribbles into the box, swerves around the defender, and scores with his left foot into the bottom right corner of the goal. This is La Joya's first goal of the season in Serie A and McKennie's third consecutive direct contribution to a goal for Juve.
Just four minutes later, an assist from Pellegrini to Sturaro finds Genoa level and back in the game. Both Pellegrini and Sturaro have a history with the Bianconeri, as Pellegrini is currently on loan from Juve and Sturaro has played at the club for five years from 2014 to 2019.
At the 66th minute, a great finish by Dybala provided by Ronaldo was ruled offside. Morata is then subbed on for Rabiot and we see Ronaldo, Dybala, and Morata on the field at the same time. A foul on Cuadrado inside the box gives the Bianconeri a chance to snatch the 3 points, and Ronaldo doesn't miss. Juve are back in the lead, 2-1.
Another round of substitutions at the 83rd minute subs Kulusevski and Bernardeschi on for Dybala and Chiesa. Five minutes later, Genoa's goalkeeper brings Morata down in an attempt to save a shot. He is carded, and Ronaldo scores another penalty brace. Juve win the match 3-1.
AFTER MATCH THOUGHTS
Pirlo:
“Attitude was the main thing. We had to move on from Wednesday's match, we knew Genoa would be compact. We attacked them immediately to always have the game in hand... Sorry for the goal we conceded, but we did well to react and win a decisive match. Dybala? The goal was important to get, but he had a good game regardless, and now that he has scored, we expect even more. He had been looking for a goal for a few weeks and the hug is for the whole team who has always supported him.”
Dybala:
“For us attackers, scoring goals is important and gives us confidence, I needed it. For many games I was not happy and I felt it more every match... I have a wonderful relationship with the Coach, we always talk, we have a good dialogue and this is beautiful. He has always had faith in me and has always spoken well of me, I still have much to give him, I have to continue like this in training and in all situations.”
JUVENTINA'S THOUGHTS
Dybala is back!!! La Joya finally scoring his first league goal and seeing the entire team be happy for him was truly the highlight of this match. As a fan of Dybala, I am grateful that Pirlo has given him so many chances to try and prove himself despite him underperforming for a long time now. The first half was tough to watch, as it was obvious Juve were dominating but unable to score due to Genoa's tactic of parking the bus. Szczesny did not have great responsibility during this match as the opponent barely had attacking chances, but when needed still proved to have top goalkeeper reflexes. Ronaldo's ability to score almost every penalty is good confidence to have. As usual, McKennie and Cuadrado were crucial to the match, making many runs and assists which eventually led to the win. Now 4 points behind AC Milan on the top of the league, Juve are looking like they are in better form. Hopefully, Pirlo's promise that experimentation is over will continue to stand true, and the Bianconeri can not only win a tenth consecutive scudetto but also aim for the Champion's League.
MOTM: Ronaldo
