Match Coverages
Venezia put Juve back on their feet
Juventus were only able to get one point against Venezia at a lively Stadio Pierluigi Penzo. Zanetti’s men were never going to make it easy for the Bianconeri on Saturday night. Morata gave Juve the lead in the first half, but Aramu equalised with a beautiful strike. Max Statman gives you a quick breakdown and player ratings.
There was a big blow for Juventus after only 12 minutes of playing. Captain Paulo Dybala went off injured, Kaio Jorge took his place on the pitch. La Joya reportedly had a problem with his right knee. The Bianconeri still needed the three points, so the hunt started.
Morata layed it off to Cuadrado, who missed the target from outside the box. Then, Morata dribbled past some Venezia defenders at the left side of the pitch, but his pass got intercepted. Juventus delivered their corners very close to Sergio Romero’s goal. One by Cuadrado was very dangerous, but no one could put their head to it.
After a strong phase by Juve, Venezia got their chances. Playmaker Aramu delivered the ball to Johnsen in the box, but a fantastic tackle by De Ligt prevented him from shooting. Venezia got another chance when Cuadrado lost possesion in midfield, but Henry smashed it over.
Luca Pellegrini once again showed Allegri why he should be starting ahead of Alex Sandro. First he passed his man and gave it to Morata, but Romero saved his shot. After another good run by Pellegrini, Morata left Romero chanceless. The Spanish striker made it 1-0 in the 32nd minute. The VAR checked for a handball in the buildup, but the goal was given.
Cuadrado got the perfect opportunity to double Juve’s lead before half-time, but his shot went just wide.
Aramu causes trouble
Aramu levelled it 10 minutes after the break. Haps gave it to the Italian on the edge of the box. Aramu struck it with his left and beat Szczęsny. But Aramu wasn’t done yet. He chipped the ball to Busio, but Pellegrini intercepted before Henry could finish.
Juventus started knocking on the door. The Venezia defence couldn’t get the ball away and it fell to Bernardeschi. He volleyed it towards Romero, who made a brilliant save. Aramu tried to catch Szczęsny off guard with a shot from very far away, but Juve’s goalkeeper was alert.
Allegri gave Soule some minutes at the end of the match. First, the Argentinian hit the wall with his freekick. Then he dribbled past Busio, but his shot went over. He might not have scored, but the 18 year old showed that he’s full of confidence.
A reality check for Allegri and his men tonight after a horrible performance. Venezia played better football than Juve and definetly deserved a point.
Player ratings
Szczęsny 5.5;
De Sciglio 6, Bonucci 6, De Ligt 6.5, Pellegrini 7;
Locatelli 6.5, Rabiot 4.5;
Cuadrado 5, Dybala (-), Bernardeschi 5.5;
Morata 6
Substitutes: Alex Sandro (5.5), Kaio Jorge 5, Bentancur (5.5), Soule (-), Kean (5)