Normalcy resumed as Juventus bounced back from their defeat to AC Milan to win 4-1 against a Sampdoria side that lacked courage and organisation.
Marco Giampaolo had confessed that it would be a tough test against the champions of Italy yet bizarrely made several changes to the team that won the derby against Genoa. Within nine minutes, Juventus were already 2-0 up, enjoying the opponent's vulnerability at defending crosses.
As usual, Juventus thought their job was done and proceeded to play a dull game void of character or intensity until their mistake led to a Blucerchiati goal. Immediately Giampaolo introduced attacking changes, hoping to exploit the relaxed approach of the home side but Juve's quality is such that it took little effort to pierce through the timid Sampdoria backline to earn another three points and keep Roma at bay.
Positives
The return of Claudio Marchisio had an immediate effect on a side that sorely missed the balance and character he provides. On hand to shore up the backline with the security they lacked in his absence, Marchisio also boasted vision and tactical intelligence to play with confidence, guiding the team forward and producing the geometric passes and rhythm the team once relied upon.
Negatives
A team coveting trophies and familiar with winning should never feel satisfied. Not at 2-0, 4-0 or even 8-0. Juventus should always be looking to do better and to score more. The fact they took their foot off the gas after the break, dropping the tempo so low so as to encourage the opponent demonstrated a poor attitude and a weakness that will be exploited by better sides.
Manager rating out of 10
7 -- Massimiliano Allegri teased us with the possibility of playing a 4-3-3 but in the end stayed true to the 3-5-2 formation yet neither he nor his players disappointed. Dani Alves may have looked uncomfortable in an unfamiliar role but there is potential to exploit in the Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain partnership.
Player ratings (1-10; 10=best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating):
GK Norbeto Neto, 6 -- Produced a wonderful save on Ante Budimir but doesn't quite provide the feeling of safety that Gianluigi Buffon does. He is, understandably, still trying to understand his defenders.
DF Dani Alves 5 -- Playing in an unfamiliar role, it was clear the Brazilian was uncomfortable especially as he's not the best when it comes to defending. Had the feet for it but not the toughest of opponents.
DF Leonardo Bonucci, 6 -- A few mistakes but he delivered 12 accurate long balls forward and provided safety at the back.
DF Giorgio Chiellini, 7 -- He not only managed to score a brace but he closed down well and read the danger. Brilliant performance had it not been for the mistake that led to Sampdoria's goal.
WB Juan Cuadrado, 7 -- Two assists and the relentless desire to attack, this was a more incisive Cuadrado who may still be guilty of a wrong decision but produced the results required. Well defended against in the second half.
MF Sami Khedira, 6 -- Always on hand to exploit space and make timely runs forward but not influencing the game as well as he did at the start of the season.
MF Claudio Marchisio, 7 -- Finally, the master of midfield is back and he made all the difference, slipping in to rescue the defence and adding control and measure to the midfield. Recovered the ball well and delivered a performance worthy of the standing ovation he received.
MF Miralem Pjanic, 6 -- Something is missing. Technically, the player is great and he not only scored a goal but he delivered an assist too. Yet he still seems to be playing within himself, shackled by nonchalance or fear. In a winning team, he must add character and impose himself.
WB Patrice Evra, 6 -- Always defensively cautious, he balanced the duality of his role well but went off with an injury just before half-time.
FW Gonzalo Higuain, 6 -- He is looking a little less sharp than usual and while he worked seemingly well with Mandzukic, he suffered in playing his usual brazen style. Not quite as clinical as we know him to be.
FW Mario Mandzukic, 7 -- Not only did he score the opening goal but he defended well from the top and tried to knock the ball down to aid his teammates and create a partnership with Higuain. A fighter, it was however strange to see him hesitate at the ball on one point, passing when he should have taken a shot.
Substitutes:
WB Alex Sandro, 6 -- Brilliant as usual, Sandro can always be depended on to dominate the left flank, tracking back to defend and storming forward with vigour. If we had to be picky, he should release the ball quicker when teammates are communicating with him.
MF Mario Lemina, N/A -- Took over form Marchisio and ensured the flow of the game.
MF Kwadwo Asamoah, N/A -- Barely given any minutes to add value to the game.