A.C. Milan vs Juventus - Player Ratings (Part 2)
Juventus:
Marco Storari
The Bianconeri stopper looked calm and composed despite Milan’s relentless push for the goals. He cancelled out everything that was thrown at him apart from the Ibra goal for which he isn't to be blamed.
Marco Motta
He was the only weak link in a solid back-four and gave the ball away frequently.
Leonardo Bonucci
The Italy international chased and chased Pato in the start. It was feared that he might not hold up but he quickly settled and tied down the young Brazilian.
Nicola Legrottaglie
The veteran was a last minute replacement for Chiellini and was initially considered a weak-link in the build up to the game. But, he rose to the occasion and defended well, thus turning out to be the best defender for Juve.
Paolo De Ceglie
The 24 year old was replaced in the 40th minute after picking up an injury but before signing off, the full-back set up Juve’s first goal of the night.
Jorge Andres Martinez
The ex-Catania man proved to be a pest and gave a lot of trouble before getting replaced in the 55th minute.
Alberto Aquilani
The “Piccolo Principe” (Little Prince) seems like a man on a mission. The on-loan Liverpool man made all the right choices and is getting better game by game. The former Roma star should be expecting a national team call-up anytime now.
Felipe Melo
The Brazilian shackled Pirlo throughout the match and tested Abbiati early on while giving Bianconeri the confidence to push on. He blocked a goal-bound effort by Ibrahimovic in the 50th minute.
Claudio Marchisio
He didn’t do much at start but came back strong in the second half.
Alessandro Del Piero
The legend is nearing the end of his career but showed that he can still play with his heart up his sleeves. He got a goal that immortalized him in the history books forever.
Fabio Quagliarella
He scored a goal and was always in the thick of things. The Italy international seems to have gelled well with Del Piero and his impressive displays have already started alerting football scouts in Europe.
Substitutes:
Simone Pepe
The Italian international came in the 41st minute and did considerably well in keeping the possession.
Mohamed Lamine Sissoko
This strong midfielder should get the credit for setting up Del Piero for Juve’s second after a willing run.
Amauri
He only got 5 minute game time so didn’t do anything bad or good apart from acknowledging the crowd in the end and swapping shirts with Gattuso.
Men of the Match:
Quagliarella wouldn’t mind sharing his award with Del Piero who just needs to get something after having his name written in the history books. He’s just too good to be true.
Juventus Verdict:
Bianconeri have come far away from a dismal last season and proved that they are serious title contenders with Del Neri already announcing that he wants the Scudetto. They might just get it if they play with the same gusto that they did against Milan.
Del Piero is ageing but still has the hunger for goals and has found a great partner in Quagliarella while Felipe Melo has shown that he has come off age after receiving a lot of criticism last season. The return of Klasnic will further boost the Turin giants
as he will form a good partnership with Melo.
Simone Pepe has been effective whenever he arrives at the scene and Sissoko’s ability to hold off defenders and ‘never say die’ attitude is a major plus for Bianconeri.
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