Football
Mina Rzouki, Juventus blogger 5y

Joao Cancelo 8/10, Cristiano Ronaldo scores again as Juventus cruise

Juventus combined strength with technique and had a front line superbly supported by midfield, making it almost impossible for Udinese to contain opponents that attacked from all directions. Putting as many as nine men behind the ball, the home team hoped they could launch a few counters but were pegged back by the Italian champions, who score twice in four first-half minutes to seal their eighth straight win to open the Serie A season.

Positives

Juventus may have won a lot in recent years, but the side has never looked as invincible as it does this season. Despite not being at their optimum level and still lacking some fluency, they are rarely in danger.

Negatives

Given this was their 10th consecutive victory and brought with it another clean sheet, what negatives could there be?

Manager rating out of 10

7 -- Massimiliano Allegri's job is made easier when he knows that, say, he can take off Paulo Dybala and replace him with Federico Bernardeschi. With a bench packed with talent, Juve are organised, disciplined and motivated to produce results consistently.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Wojciech Szczesny, 6 -- Alert when called upon, but this was not exactly a tough match for the man between the sticks.

DF Joao Cancelo, 8 -- In matches that Juve control and relentlessly attack, his technique shines bright. Delivering accuracy repeatedly, he dominated his side of the pitch, delivered the assist for Rodrgo Bentancur's goal and defended well in a man-of-the-match performance.

DF Leonardo Bonucci, 6 -- He was attentive, concentrated and effective in cancelling out Kevin Lasagna, while his launched balls forward are important for the team's attacking play.

DF Giorgio Chiellini, 6 -- His best quality lies in the ability to manage the game. Chiellini knows when to draw out fouls, stop the opponent and ensure safety. His experience makes a difference.

DF Alex Sandro, 6 -- Produced a vital goal-line clearance and generally showed why he is reliable at the back and important going forward. This was a balanced display, though he could do with more accuracy when crossing.

MF Rodrigo Bentancur, 7 -- It was good to see him stay tactically disciplined and focused. He scored his first goal for Juventus and made some good runs into the penalty area. He also must improve his passing accuracy.

MF Miralem Pjanic, 6 -- No accuracy issues here; Pjanic delivered key short passes and perfect long balls, reading play to help launch Juve attacks from all angles.

MF Blaise Matuidi, 6 -- The man who normally ensures balance, but he was not at his usual best and came off early in the second half.

FW Paulo Dybala, 6 -- A good performance that saw him work between the lines and provide for his teammates. He is yet to make the impact his talent warrants and his finishing needs to be better, but he did what was asked of him.

FW Mario Mandzukic, 6 -- A warrior. He is always available to produce in attack and when possession is lost. He works tirelessly to keep the team going forward and provided the assist for Cristiano Ronaldo's goal..

FW Cristiano Ronaldo, 7 -- He worked hard and scored his fourth goal in Serie A with a first-time finish. Udinese goalkeeper Simone Scuffet denied him the chance for further celebrations.

Substitutes

MF Emre Can, 6 -- He brought dynamism and intensity and his physicality was required to quieten Seko Fofana.

FW Federico Bernardeschi, 7 -- Came on to feed a beautiful pass to Mandzukic, then forced Scuffet into another save. Always eager and capable of pushing his side forward.

DF Andrea Barzagli, NR -- On for a few minutes at the end to seal the points.

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