23 August 2019
Parma-Juventus in the 2018-19 season was played on the Match Day three. The hosts came into the game with only one point in the standings, secured in the opening game of the tournament. In the following match, Parma lost the derby against Spal, while Juve, on the other hand, was at the top of the rankings with a 100% accumulation of points thanks to a victory in Verona against Chievo, which was secured courtesy of Bernardeschi’s goal, and a 2-0 triumph versus Lazio at Allianz Stadium.
The 90 minutes
The match in Emilia confirmed some of the situations that were already highlighted in Verona: Massimiliano Allegri's team managed to score immediately through Mandzukic, exactly like Khedira did at Bentegodi. Similarly, the first half ended at 1-1 due to Gervinho's goal, who did well to deflect a cross by Gobbi, which was extended towards goal by Inglese. Juve paid dearly for the momentary absence of Cuadrado, who remained on the sidelines due to an injury. On the hour mark, a combination on the left proved to be the winner: the ball from Alex Sandro to Mandzukic, which allowed for the Croatian to back heel for the onrushing Matuidi. He then slipped his effort under the crossbar with an unstoppable left foot. With the scoreline at 1-2, Parma had run out of energy and resources, allowing for the Bianconeri to take home all three points.
THE NUMBERS
The Tardini match presented an element of macroscopic consistency with respect to the first two days of the season: for the third consecutive time, Cristiano Ronaldo was the closest to scoring a goal, even if he didn’t manage to celebrate his first goal in Serie A, which finally arrived in the next match against Sassuolo.
For Mario Mandzukic, his strike against Parma was his second goal in a row.
Other important numbers: Juve produced a lot of shots at goal - nine occasions - but also conceded more than usual: five. They had constant ball possession in the halves, attested at 66%. Many crosses, as many as 28, more than double compared to their opponents, were delivered.
As for Roberto D'Aversa's team, their work done in the attacking phase of the game is impressive: Gervinho stood out with four positive dribbles; Roberto Inglese completed the most crosses, and won the greatest number of air duels.
