Juventus player ratings vs Roma: Another Mandzukic header delivers win

TURIN, ITALY - DECEMBER 22: Mario Mandzukic of Juventuscelebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and AS Roma on December 22, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY - DECEMBER 22: Mario Mandzukic of Juventuscelebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and AS Roma on December 22, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images) /
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Juventus forward Douglas Costa (11) in action during the Serie A football match n.17 JUVENTUS – ROMA on 22/12/2018 at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Matteo Bottanelli/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Juventus forward Douglas Costa (11) in action during the Serie A football match n.17 JUVENTUS – ROMA on 22/12/2018 at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Matteo Bottanelli/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

Emre Can 6.5/10

With Rodrigo Bentancur returning from his one match suspension Emre Can was sent back got the bench. He did get to play 24 minutes in this match, but as is usually the case for Juve’s subs he wasn’t asked to do much with Juve already holding the lead. There wasn’t much to his appearance as he only had 10 touches, but it will allow him to continue working his way back into form after his extended absence.

Douglas Costa 7/10

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I’m beginning to think that Allegri just stops watching once Douglas Costa comes onto the field. As soon as he joined the action he started making life difficult for Roma. He made two runs from his own half that looked like he would score on his own and he scored the goal that was eventually disallowed for the previous foul by Matuidi. Costa has made it clear that he is Juve’s most dangerous option on the right wing, but Allegri just continues to ignore his performances.

Massimiliano Allegri 6.5/10

Yes, Juventus won this match, but it simply wasn’t good enough. It was yet another instance of Juve utterly dominating, but letting their opponent hang around for way too long. This tendency already cost them their first loss of the season when they blew a 1 goal lead against Manchester United and they should’ve learned from that match. Instead we continue to get more of the same. Also, Allegri’s refusal to start actual wingers on the right wing is going to cost Juve a key win at some point this season. Dybala just isn’t the answer. Now is the time for him to make the switch so Costa can get comfortable playing with Ronaldo. Right now Allegri is just continuing to destroy the confidence of a talented young player.

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He needs to see that this is the wrong choice before it hurts Juve where it matters most, the Champions League.