Juventus vs. Genoa: Winners and Losers from Serie A
Wednesday night saw Genoa, the latest Serie A side to take on the division’s most in-form side, travelling to Juventus Stadium to challenge the reigning Italian champions. Just as they had on 12 previous occasions, the Bianconeri would win again, notching a 13th consecutive victory courtesy of the 1-0 final score.
After winning just twice in their previous nine league matches, the visitors came into the clash sitting in 16th place and just five points outside the relegation zone. Now facing a real battle to remain in the top flight, Genoa gave a good account of themselves and continually frustrated Juventus throughout.
What follows is a look at the winners and losers from this encounter, highlighting the best and worst performances from a tightly contested affair that ultimately saw the Bianconeri take all three points.
Winner: Juan Cuadrado (Juventus)
1 of 6
Since arriving on loan from Chelsea in the summer, Juan Cuadrado has struggled to break into coach Massimiliano Allegri’s regular starting XI, as the form of Stephan Lichtsteiner kept him largely sidelined.
Indeed, before the match against Genoa, the Colombian winger had made just 12 starts in all competitions but had still made some vital contributions. He would continue that here, skipping past his marker before rifling a shot toward goal that deflected off a defender and over the helpless Mattia Perin.
Beating the Genoa goalkeeper in the 31st minute, it was a goal that ultimately proved the difference between the sides and handed all three points to the Bianconeri.
Loser: Martin Caceres (Juventus)
2 of 6
While Cuadrado made the most of his opportunity, Martin Caceres looks set to spend more time out of the side, collapsing to the turf in the second half before being stretchered off. Leaving the field in tears, it looked as if the Uruguayan defender believed it to be another serious injury just as he had returned to action.
Winner: Daniele Rugani (Juventus)
3 of 6
That injury may be bad news for Caceres but good news for Daniele Rugani. The young defender replaced the stricken Uruguayan here and perhaps in the coming weeks too. With his own playing time limited thus far, the 21-year-old will hope to now feature more regularly and showcase his talent.
Loser: Gian Piero Gasperini (Genoa)
4 of 6
With his side already in trouble, yet another defeat will not be good news for Genoa boss Gian Piero Gasperini. The coach had already seen his side lose on 10 occasions in 2015/16, and with results elsewhere going against them, the Rossoblu will face a difficult end to the campaign if they are to retain their Serie A status.
Winner: Simone Padoin (Juventus)
5 of 6
Another player to earn a chance against Genoa, Simone Padoin made the most of his opportunity, turning in a neat performance on the right of Juve’s midfield. He had always been a reliable veteran presence for the Bianconeri, but after struggling in the opening weeks of this season, he will be pleased with his contribution on the night.
Loser: Simone Zaza (Juventus)
6 of 6
Simone Zaza put Juventus under added pressure for a senseless red card, an incident that will almost certainly see him suspended for the forthcoming fixtures with Frosinone and Napoli. That—combined with Mario Mandzukic’s injury—means Alvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala are now the club’s only available strikers.
