Match Report and Player Ratings: Gatti puts Juventus on top of Serie A

Despite a poor display, Juventus have managed to beat Monza just before the final whistle. Federico Gatti was the matchwinner (1-2).

It seemed like Dušan Vlahović finally found his form again last week against Inter, scoring Juventus’ only goal. However, when Juventus received a penalty against Monza after 10 minutes, his effort was saved by goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio. Vlahović got another chance in the rebound, but Di Gregorio pulled out an incredible diving save. From the following corner, Di Gregorio was finally beaten by Adrian Rabiot’s rocket header. The assist came from Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, his first for the Bianconeri.

Juventus were in full control of the game against Monza. The Bianconeri created almost no opportunities despite that though. Federico Gatti came closest to adding a second, but he squandered a major opportunity from almost inside the goal. At half-time, the Bianconeri led 0-1.

It was more of the same in the second half, with even less action in front of Monza’s goal. However, the home side could not break through Juve’s defense. Juventus almost begged Monza to score with their defensive setup, and the home side would do so after 92 minutes. Valentín Carboni’s cross turned into a shot because no one touched it and beat Wojciech Szczęsny.

All hope seemed lost and a draw against Monza was imminent. Federico Gatti had other plans. Adrien Rabiot broke through on the right side and deliverd the ball into the box after a good run. Gatti missed the ball on his first attempt, but smashed it against the net on his second, securing all three points for the Bianconeri.

Juventus have now gone on top in Serie A, because Inter play later this weekend.

Player Ratings

Szczęsny (6); Alex Sandro (6.5), Bremer (6.5), Gatti (7.5); Cambiaso (6.5), McKennie (6.5), Rabiot (7), Nicolussi Caviglia (6.5), Kostić (5.5); Vlahović (5), Chiesa (5.5).

Substitutes: Danilo (6), Milik (5.5), Kean (5.5), Locatelli (-).