21 December 2017
Dybala finds form
It had been just over a month since Paulo Dybala had found the back of the net so it was certainly a moment for celebration when La Joya fired the Bianconeri in front just before half-time.
Dybala’s 15th goal of the season in all competitions was a trademark left-footed curler that beat Lamanna and it came at the perfect time. Later in the match, Dybala would earn an assist on his countryman Gonzalo Higuain’s goal.
As Massimiliano Allegri has said, Dybala’s success is about much more than goals but it was great to see him back on the scoresheet.
Three in the midfield
Allegri chose to stick with three in the midfield on Wendesday night giving opportunities to impress for Rodrigo Bentancur, Claudio Marchisio and Stefano Sturaro. The trio did a solid job locking down the center of the park pinning back Genoa and crucially winning those second balls on defensive clearances.
Given that it was a completely different trio from Sunday’s win at Bologna that featured Miralem Pjanic, Blaise Matuidi and Sami Khedira, the last two matches show just how much talent and depth the Bianconeri midfield boasts.
Brick wall defense
The shutout streak extends to seven matches in all competitions for the Bianconeri who limited Genoa to just one shot on goal on the evening. It’s the best clean sheet streak for Juventus since February 2016 and one they’ll look to extend on Saturday in a massive Serie A showdown with Roma.
Much like the midfield rotation, Allegri switched out three defenders from Sunday’s win over Bologna leaving Andrea Barzagli and swapping in Kwadwo Asamoah, Daniele Rugani and Stephan Lichsteiner. There was a worry late in the match as originally a penalty was whistled on the Bianconeri but it would be annulled by VAR.
Seven goals, seven players!
We’ve spoken about the depth in defense and midfield, but the attack can’t be left out either. Dating back to the last four matches, the Bianconeri have scored seven goals by seven different players.
Tonight, it was Dybala and Higuain while the win in Bologna saw Blaise Matuidi, Mario Mandzukic and Miralem Pjanic score. Prior to that, it was Bernardeschi and Juan Cuadrado scoring in Olympiacos. Who’s next?!
The road ahead
The Bianconeri must quickly re-focus with a Serie A showdown against Roma set for Saturday night at Allianz Stadium. The Giallorossi crashed out the cup at home to Torino tonight and they’ll be in the mood for redemption while a win for Juve could see the Bianconeri move back to the top of the table depending on other results.
The TIM Cup quarterfinals are set for a fortnight’s time at Allianz Stadium on 3 January and it’ll be a Derby Della Mole as Torino will face the Bianconeri after knocking off Roma 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
