Juventus vs. Parma: Winners and Losers from Serie A Game

Parma travelled to Juventus Stadium for the third time on Sunday, fully aware they had lost on each previous visit. Having been defeated 4-1 in the competitive debut of Juve’s state-of-the-art home, Roberto Donadoni’s men knew they would face another arduous afternoon against the Bianconeri.

“Juve are the strongest team in Serie A and we must go to Turin with a great performance,” the coach told reporters at his pre-match press conference, per Football Italia. While the recent form of the reigning champions had been cause for concern, no club has suffered as much as Parma this term.

The Ducali enjoyed a successful 2013-14, finishing in sixth place in Serie A and securing qualification for the Europa League. However, failure to pay taxes amounting to approximately €300,000 saw their place handed to Torino, per ESPN, and the current season has seen them struggle significantly.

With a number of key players—including Jonathan Biabiany, Mattia Cassani and Gabriel Paletta—missing, they had won just two of their opening 10 games of the campaign.

Having won against both Empoli and Olympiacos last week, Juventus would add yet another victory, running out emphatic winners in a 7-0 rout.

The following pages contain a glimpse of the winners and losers from this encounter. Take a look at the best and worst individual displays from this afternoon.

Winner: Carlos Tevez (Juventus)

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After beginning the season in impeccable form, Carlos Tevez had struggled in recent weeks, failing to build on his tally of eight goals in his first eight appearances. After enduring six games in which he had not found the back of the net, the 30-year-old struck twice against Parma.

“We’ve been wasting a lot of opportunities recently,” Tevez said to Mediaset after the game (h/t Football Italia). “So we made up for it today and we[re] perfect in front of goal.” Having also earned a recall to the Argentina squad after a three-year absence, the striker can enter the international break filled with confidence.

Winner: Massimiliano Allegri (Juventus)

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While the lack of fight from Parma can be debated, it is impossible to argue that the result was hugely important to Massimiliano Allegri. The Juventus coach once again opted to field his troops in a 4-3-1-2 formation, overcoming a number of key absences on the way to a convincing victory.

With Andrea Pirlo joining the suspended Arturo Vidal on the sidelines, Juventus still dominated the game—and Allegri deserves huge praise for his decisions.

Winner: Fernando Llorente (Juventus)

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Even though Tevez rediscovered his scoring form, the match was even more significant for Fernando Llorente. The Spanish striker has struggled this term, yet found the back of the net twice this afternoon in an impressive display.

Winner: Alvaro Morata (Juventus)

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Despite being dropped to the bench in favour of Llorente, Alvaro Morata seized his opportunity against a struggling Parma. Introduced in the 70th minute, the 22-year-old netted twice to reinforce the excellent form he has displayed of late.

The Real Madrid youth product has been rewarded with a call-up to the Spanish national squad for their matches next week.

Loser: Roberto Donadoni (Parma)

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After a season in which they qualified for Europe, it is difficult to see a more underperforming side than Parma this term. The Ducali finished sixth last year, yet they are now rooted to the bottom of the table (having lost nine of their 11 games thus far).

Roberto Donadoni is undoubtedly under pressure, as the coach has been unable to inspire his side as they limp to a string of defeats. “There is just a sense of impotence and shame after a game like that,” he told RAI immediately after the final whistle (h/t Football Italia), summing up a disappointing afternoon.