Juventus 2-0 Hellas Verona: Player ratings as Vlahovic & Zakaria net on debuts
Dusan Vlahovic and Denis Zakaria both scored on their debuts as Juventus moved into the Serie A top four with a 2-0 victory over Hellas Verona.
Vlahovic, signed from Fiorentina in January, looked sharp from the outset and stung Lorenzo Montipo's palms with a fierce strike early on. The Serb did not have to wait long for a debut goal though, deftly lobbing the Verona keeper after a great through ball from Paulo Dybala.
The trio of Vlahovic, Dybala and Alvaro Morata clicked nicely throughout the opening period as Juve dominated. All three were involved in their side's other big chance of the half with Dybala releasing Morata, who then crossed to Vlahovic who diverted an effort wide.
Verona tweaked their tactics at the interval and it initially disrupted Juve's rhythm. However, the Old Lady got back on track on the hour mark with Zakaria, another winter arrival from Borussia Monchengladbach, racing in behind and finishing well.
This strike would prove decisive. It knocked the stuffing out of the visitors who kept plugging away but could not carve out any decent openings, with Juve coasting to an important three points.
Here are your Juve player ratings from Turin...
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Wojciech Szczesny (GK) - 6/10 - Hardly anything to do.
Danilo (RB) - 7/10 - Such a classy defender. He read things expertly and did not let anything past him.
Matthijs de Ligt (CB) - 7/10 - Not really tested. Passing was good. One rash slide at the end might have been punished.
Giorgio Chiellini (CB) - 8/10 - As above really, but with a bit more authority.
Mattia De Sciglio (LB) - 7/10 - Solid at the back and ventured forward sporadically to whip some crosses in.
2. Midfielders
Denis Zakaria (CM) - 7/10 - Struggled to impose himself and find space in the first half. Made up for that with a terrific finish after the break. Shame he went off injured, but it did not look too bad.
Arthur (CM) - 7/10 - From dead-cert departee to starting in Serie A. He was fine. Neat and tidy, and did a bit of everything.
Adrien Rabiot (CM) - 7/10 - More dynamic than he has been this season. Perhaps Zakaria's arrival inspired him to step up the intensity.
Paulo Dybala (AM) - 8/10 - Inspirational at the tip of midfield. His ability to find Vlahovic's runs in behind is going to be so important for the rest of the season.
3. Forwards
Dusan Vlahovic (ST) - 8/10 - A dream debut. Took his goal extremely well and never stopped trying to get in behind the defence. Such a perfect signing for Juventus.
Alvaro Morata (ST) - 8/10 - Excellent. When he is not being relied on as a principal scorer Morata can be so good. Worked extremely hard off the ball and linked things expertly.
4. Substitutes
Daniele Rugani (CB) - 6/10
Juan Cuadrado (RM) - 6/10
Weston McKennie (CM) - N/A
Moise Kean (ST) - N/A