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

When it comes to a club’s view of breaks for international football, timing is everything. Having been beaten by an otherwise struggling Empoli, Lazio would have appreciated the most recent pause to domestic action.

The two-week wait for their next match allowed coach Stefano Pioli to rally his troops and prepare thoroughly for their next league fixture. Clashes with Juventus have not been favourable for the Biancocelesti in recent times, their last victory coming in December 2003.

For their part, Massimiliano Allegri’s dominant Bianconeri could be forgiven for cursing the fortnight they have had to endure. Having comprehensively dispatched Parma in their last game—reviewed here—before the break, Juventus may have feared a loss of momentum as their players travelled to represent their national teams.

However, the reigning Serie A champions have been fortunate to recover a number of injured players during that period, with Andrea Pirlo among those returning to the lineup on Saturday. They proved simply too good for Lazio, running out 3-0 winners despite a harsh red card for Simone Padoin.

Over the following pages is a look at the winners and losers from this encounter, taking a closer look at the best and worst performances at the Stadio Olimpico.

Winner: Paul Pogba (Juventus)

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Having recently signed a new contract with Juventus, Paul Pogba once again served up a reminder of his phenomenal talent. The midfielder turned in the latest in a string of dominant displays in what Allegri told Sky Italia was "his best match of the season," (h/t Gianluca Di Marzio).

The 21-year-old netted twice against Lazio, each showcasing a different aspect of his talent. Having scored first following a lung-bursting box-to-box run, he calmly slotted away the second with a deft finish.

Winner: Carlos Tevez (Juventus)

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Arguably the peninsula's most in-form player, Carlos Tevez registered a goal and an assist to see off Lazio. The Argentinean striker set up Pogba's opening goal with a wonderful pass, switching play from left to right at the perfect moment.

Shortly after full time, Tevez discussed his recent performances and just how well he is playing for the Bianconeri. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia he said (h/t Football Italia):

"

I am at a great club, I am happy playing my football and I am giving my all on the field. I do agree, this is the best form of my career.

"

Winner: Roberto Pereyra (Juventus)

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While the first two men will rightly steal the headlines, Roberto Pereyra was equally essential to Juve's victory. The versatile Argentinean provided a vital link between midfield and attack, laying on Pogba's second goal with a neat assist.

Stats site WhoScored.com shows he made two tackles and one interception, helping to protect the new-look back four.

Winner: Federico Mattiello (Juventus)

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Having made his debut in the 7-0 victory over Parma, Federico Mattiello made his second Juventus appearance on Saturday evening. Brought on following Simone Padoin's dismissal, the youngster helped secure victory with a solid display.

His introduction at such a delicate stage of the match was also a huge vote of confidence from Allegri. Mattiello almost added his name to the scoresheet, forcing a good save from Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti.

Loser: Lorik Cana (Lazio)

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While the result of the match was testament to Juve's all-round quality, Lorik Cana hardly helped the Lazio cause. Directly at fault for the counter-attack which led to the game's second goal, the 31-year-old appeared to struggle throughout the 90 minutes.