Juventus defeated Inter 2-0 at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday night in Serie A, a win that sees the Old Lady go four points clear at the top of the table.
A dreadful defensive error by Inter full-back Danilo D’Ambrosio just after half-time led to Leonardo Bonucci giving the Bianconeri the lead which was followed up late on with an Alvaro Morata penalty.
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Juventus
Gianluigi Buffon – 6 – Spectator
The Juventus shot-stopper had no shots to save in the first half and only two tame Miranda and Eder late efforts to deal with in the second half, as Inter only produced eight goal attempts all evening with only three on target.
Stephan Lichtsteiner – 6.5 – Determined
Put in two good crosses in the first half, with one on 18 minutes leading to a Mandzukic header on target which was saved by Handanovic. Always a threat with his forward runs and composure on the ball, and kept Inter full-back Alex Telles busy defensively.
Andrea Barzagli – 6.5 – Focused
Looked sharp and focused in dealing with the threat of Mauro Icardi and Rodrigo Palacio without being overly extended.
Leonardo Bonucci – 6.5 – Solid
Usual dependable self and struck the Bianconeri’s first goal just after half-time with a volley from four yards which gave Handanovic no chance.
Giorgio Chiellini – 6 – Unlucky
The Juventus vice-captain only last 35 minutes following a calf injury, but didn’t do much wrong during his short spell on the pitch.
Alex Sandro – 6 – Tireless
Made a good run on 11 minutes which was eventually halted by Felipe Melo, and made a fantastic headed clearance midway through the first half as Inter created a half chance. Kept D’Ambrosio busy defensively down the left-hand side.
Sami Khedira – 6 – Unrewarded
Worked hard but looked slightly sluggish throughout. Booked for foul on Telles on 59 minutes. Replaced by Stefano Sturaro after 78 minutes.
Paul Pogba – 6.5 – Character
Showed some nice flashes of skill throughout, with one leaving Inter forward Palacio for dead with a fantastic spin on 20 minutes. Made some good run forwards and looked more comfortable in a central role in Juve’s 3-5-2 formation.
Hernanes – 7 – Unlucky
Played the Regista role just in front of the back three and came so close to scoring on four minutes with a long-range drive which was superbly tipped onto the bar by Samir Handanovic. Booked for a foul on 45 minutes for a foul on Rodrigo Palacio
Mario Mandzukic – 6.5 – Linked
Linked up well with strike partner Paulo Dybala, combining with the Argentine on six minutes which nearly lead to the opening goal. Missed a great chance to score on eight minutes after an error by Inter defender Jeison Murillo, but shot wide of the Inter goal.
Paulo Dybala – 7 – Lively
Had a chance to open the scoring on six minutes, but his shot was blocked Miranda. His free kick just after the break lead to the mistake by D’Ambrosio which setup Bonucci to smashed home. Came close to a goal on 51 minutes but his left-foot effort was swept wide.
Substitutes
Daniele Rugani (35 mins) – 6.5 – Dependable
Replaced Chiellini after the half-hour and looked solid without being tested too much by the Inter forwards.
Alvaro Morata (82 min) – 7 – Impact
Entered the field for Dybala near the end and won the penalty which he converted for Juve’s second goal.
Stefano Sturaro (78 mins) – N/A
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com