25 September 2014
A two-goal salvo from the returning Arturo Vidal and solitary Stephan Lichtsteiner strike enabled Juventus to become the first ever Serie A side in history to start the season with four consecutive wins and clean sheets following last night’s 3-0 victory over Cesena.
While this morning’s headlines will naturally belong to the Chilean midfielder, Massimiliano Allegri will have been more than satisfied with the way his team functioned as a unit, showing the intelligence required to see off a spirited Cavallucci Marini side who looked to sit back and frustrate.
After gaining an early lead through Vidal’s penalty on 18 minutes, Juventus, led in attack by the effervescent Sebastian Giovinco, tried on several occasions to extend their advantage but found Nicola Leali in inspired form.
However, Vidal’s second of the night put pay to any fears of a Cesena fightback before Lichtsteiner made the scoreline more reflective of the Bianconeri’s attacking threat when he added a well-taken third late on.
Here are some of the main statistics from the encounter:
9
Vidal’s opener was his ninth Juventus goal from the penalty spot. He has now scored a total of 30 in Serie A, making him the most prolific midfielder since the 2011/12 campaign.
12
Lichtsteiner notched his 12th strike in Italy’s top flight, nine of which have come in the black and white stripes.
21
Last night’s triumph enabled Juventus to equal Torino’s record of 21 successive home victories in the top flight.
71.7%
The Bianconeri maintained a firm grip on possession throughout, enjoying 71.7 per cent of the ball in comparison to the visitors’ figure of 28.3.
92%
Juventus have won 92 per cent of Serie A games in which Vidal has found the target.
98
Once again Claudio Marchisio topped the completed passes index with 98 successful deliveries.
856
Touches enjoyed by the hosts, more than double the figure of 410 registered by the Cavallucci Marini.
