Juventus 3-1 Genoa: Player ratings as Old Lady impress in victory

Juventus dispatched of Genoa to keep ahead in the race for the top four in Serie A on Sunday afternoon, emerging as 3-1 winners despite the visitors' best efforts.

The Old Lady were quick out of the blocks and found a breakthrough for their efforts after just four minutes when Juan Cuadrado laid it on a plate for Dejan Kulusevski. They continued to press well and move quickly, and doubled their lead on the counter after 22 minutes through Alvaro Morata. Genoa tried to move forward, but were unable to get anywhere near Juve who marched into half time in full control.

Genoa started brightly after the break and pulled a goal back almost instantly with a strong header from Gianluca Scamacca, pulling them back into the game from nothing. Both teams pressed as the second half opened up, and the visitors almost drew level when Marko Pjaca smashed wide with acres of space inside the box.

The game stayed locked at 2-1 with both sides lacking quality in the final third, but it was Weston McKennie who added a third from the bench for Andrea Pirlo's side after 70 minutes, lifting the ball beyond Mattia Perin.

McKennie's finish proved to be decisive, taking the wind out of Genoa and confirming a big three points for Juventus, who impressed with a high intensity performance. Here's how the Bianconeri rated.

JUVENTUS PLAYER RATINGS

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Wojciech Szczesny (GK) - 6/10 - Straightforward first half and nothing he could do to stop Scamacca's header. Pulled out a fine low stop to deny Pjaca after 55 minutes.

Juan Cuadrado (RB) - 7/10 - Exceptional footwork inside the opposition box to fashion an assist for Juve's opener and continued to cause problems with an ever intelligent overlap down the right. Substituted at half time, perhaps for picking up a booking.

Matthijs de Ligt (CB) - 6/10 - Anticipated danger intelligently and stepped out to stop Genoa's advances before they materialised. At fault for Genoa's goal, however, being outmuscled from the corner.

Giorgio Chiellini (CB) - 7/10 - The veteran occupied a more relaxed role with his colleague doing the aggressive work, but distributed the ball well and kept things organised. A clean cut, composed performance.

Danilo (LB) - 7/10 - Solid outing for Danilo who showed his versatile qualities and defended the box well. Also provided the all-important assist for McKennie.

2. Midfielders

Dejan Kulusevski (RM) - 7/10 - A good early finish to give Juve the lead and was always a threat in possession. Kulusevski was difficult to mark and consistently ran at defenders, looking to find a pass or angle a shot.

Rodrigo Bentancur (CM) - 5/10 - The game passed by Bentancur somewhat, who wasn't the most efficient in Juve's midfield but instead a little quiet.

Adrien Rabiot (CM) - 6/10 - Set the tempo in midfield, working box to box and distributing play sharply. Rabiot's influence did wane a touch in the second half, however, as Genoa grew into the game.

Federico Chiesa (LM) - 6/10 - Pressed high and hunted the ball down well, before moving quickly with it at his feet. Impressed fleetingly after leading the charge for the second goal.

3. Forwards

Alvaro Morata (ST) - 7/10 - Rewarded for keeping up with a counter attack by tapping in Juve's second, making good on the rebound in poacher's fashion.

Cristiano Ronaldo (ST) - 6/10 - Missing his shooting boots in the first half, hitting the post from point blank in a rebounded effort. Those same issues plagued Ronaldo throughout; nothing he touched seemed to want to find its way into the goal. Frustrating afternoon.

4. Substitutes

Alex Sandro - 6/10 - Didn't bring the same attacking thrust as Juve were pinned by Genoa's press in the second half, but fulfilled his defensive duties competently.

Weston McKennie - 7/10 - Brilliant impact from the bench, strengthening Juve's lead when they needed it most. Cool as you like with the finish.

Paulo Dybala - 6/10

Arthur - 5/10

Aaron Ramsey - N/A