Juventus player ratings as Alvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala starred in the 4-1 win over Bologna in Serie A, securing Champions League football for the next season.
Being fifth in the table heading into the final matchday of the season, nothing less than a win would suffice for Juventus while they also needed someone above them to slip up. And Andrea Pirlo’s men looked purposeful from the off as Federico Chiesa fired them into an early lead just six minutes into the game.
The Bianconeri doubled their advantage just before the half-time with Alvaro Morata applying the finishing touches after some stunning footwork and skills by attacking partner Paulo Dybala. Juventus went into the half-time break with a three-goal lead, with Adrien Rabiot finding the back of the net in the dying minutes of the first period. Two minutes after the break, Juventus stamped their authority further, with Morata scoring his second.
The Spaniard could have completed his hat-trick but fired wide from close-range while Bologna scored a late consolation goal through Riccardo Orsolini, as Juventus ran out 4-1 winners. Having done their job, the Bianconeri were provided a helping hand by Hellas Verona, who held Napoli to a draw, allowing the Old Lady to finish fourth in the table and sneak into the Champions League for next season.
Here are our player ratings for the Juventus stars after what was a critical win, secured in resounding fashion.
Wojciech Szczesny: 6/10
Not a great deal to do on the night, with Juventus largely in control. Had a couple of nervy moments on either side of half-time but did what was needed of him and also got the assist for Morata’s second with a long kick. Made way for Carlo Pinsoglio for the final twenty minutes or so.
Juan Cuadrado: 7.5/10
A fine display from the Colombian, who started at right-back but found himself in advanced positions more often than not. Provided a constant outlet down the right and created a team-high four chances for his teammates. Produced a brilliant cross in the second half which Morata should have converted. Such a key figure.
Matthijs de Ligt: 6/10
Played just the first half and was largely untroubled for the most of it with Juventus controlling proceedings. Seemed to have picked up a knock though and made way for Leonardo Bonucci at half-time.
Giorgio Chiellini: 6.5/10
Chiellini ?: “We are very happy, it was an important game, but we depended on others. We finished a difficult season but we won two trophies and so next year we'll play in the #UCL. We are happy for Andrea (Pirlo) and it’s right for us to celebrate.” pic.twitter.com/BNC27EiFrz
— JuveFC (@juvefcdotcom) May 23, 2021
Again, the Juventus captain wasn’t called into action a great deal on the night. Comfortable at the back, dealt with whatever he had to without much of a bother. Would be disappointed to have not kept the clean sheet, though.
Alex Sandro: 6.5/10
Solid, if not spectacular from the Brazilian on his return to the side after missing the cup final due to suspension. Kept the ball moving well, misplacing just one pass all game, while was alert defensively, making three interceptions. Did not create much going forward though.
Dejan Kulusevski: 7.5/10
Kulusevski to DAZN: “The Atalanta goal gives me peace of mind. I was able to help the team, I'm happy and I want to do something more to help the team." Via [@_Morik92_] pic.twitter.com/DH6El2DR6Z
— JuveFC (@juvefcdotcom) May 23, 2021
The Player to Watch in our match preview, Kulusevski, building upon his heroics in the cup final, enjoyed another positive outing on Sunday night. Always looking to push forward when on the ball, the Swede had a hand in the opening goal then got the assist for Rabiot’s goal later in the first half. Found the back of the net late in the game with a delectable finish but was pulled for offside. Produced four key passes.
Danilo: 6.5/10
Showed his versatility yet again as he was asked to do a job in the middle of the park in the absence of Rodrigo Bentancur, and the former Manchester City man delivered. There were a couple of iffy moments here and there, which are expected, but largely solid in the centre, and kept things ticking along nicely, before moving into the backline later in the game.
Adrien Rabiot: 8/10
Looked positive from the off and hit the woodwork early on, leading to the opening goal by Chiesa. Was involved in some eye-catching forward moves that cut open Bologna time and again. Good hit to make it 3-0 on the cusp of half-time. Worked hard, rarely misplaced his passes in what was an impressive display from the Frenchman.
Federico Chiesa: 7.5/10
Federico Chiesa has now been directly involved in 26 goals this season for Juventus.
15 Goals
11 Assists?⚫⚪ pic.twitter.com/HCAZh1b8pa
— Forza Juventus (@ForzaJuveEN) May 23, 2021
Another game wherein the Italian winger highlighted his importance to this Juventus side. Got them up and running just six minutes in, volleying the rebound after Rabiot’s effort had hit the bar. Lively in his runs, purposeful in his passes, although there were times when he could have been a tad bit more accurate with his distribution. Came close to scoring again after the break.
Paulo Dybala: 8.5/10
Without a doubt, La Joya’s best performance of the season. Was involved in almost everything positive that Juventus created, dropping deep to get on the ball and running at the Juventus defence. Great run before he set Morata up for the second goal and played two key passes in total, while he himself came so close to scoring, hitting the woodwork late in the contest. Such an influential figure when at his best.
Alvaro Morata: 8.5/10
A hard-working display from the Spaniard, who ran the channels well and linked up play effectively in the final third. Headed in the second goal for Juventus and then added his second early after the break. Should have had a hat-trick when he inexplicably fired wide from point-blank range after being set up by Cuadrado while he also had another effort blocked. Nonetheless, a highly impressive display.
Rate Morata's season? pic.twitter.com/Lwp6kOFeKS
— Bianconeri Zone (@BianconeriZone) May 23, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Leonardo Bonucci: 6/10
Replaced de Ligt at half-time. Not troubled at all. Made one interception, distributed with his usual unerring accuracy.
Weston McKennie: 6/10
On for Chiesa prior to the hour mark. Played one key pass. Booked.
Arthur Melo: 6.5/10
Came on for Chiellini and slotted into the midfield with Danilo moving back into defence. Looked positive in his half hour on the pitch, making a couple of dribbles and key passes.
Federico Bernardeschi: 6/10
Sent on in place of Chiesa, wasn’t involved a great deal. Did complete all of his eight passes.
Carlo Pinsoglio: 6/10
Replaced Szczesny in the 68th minute. Misplaced one pass of his 11 attempts. Made one save to deny Musa Barrow.
