Juventus won their crunch clash against Napoli, beating last season’s runners-up 3-1 at home thanks to two goals from Mario Mandzukic and one from Leonardo Bonucci, with all three set up by Cristiano Ronaldo.
The win extends Juve’s lead at the top of Serie A to six points, a decisive blow in the title race even this early in the season.
Here’s a look at how the players rated.
JUVENTUS
STARTING XI
Wojciech Szczesny 7 – Made some crucial saves, including one when his defence had left him completely exposed, but his one-on-one stop denied Jose Callejon an equalising goal.
Joao Cancelo 7 – The Portuguese right-back was solid both in defence and attack, continuing his fine start to his Juventus career.
Leonardo Bonucci 6 – Was entirely at fault for Napoli’s goal, playing a poor pass out from the back. Scored a clinching third goal, but looked shaky at times otherwise.
Giorgio Chiellini 7 – A typical Chiellini display, as the Juventus centre-back was everywhere, putting out fires in defence and often finding himself in good attacking positions.
Alex Sandro 8 – Sandro’s attacking prowess sometimes detracts from his defensive ability, but this was a game where the latter came to the fore. Put in one goal-saving clearance and was solid throughout.
Emre Can 6 – Still looks unconvincing as a Juventus player, as he looked like the weakest link in his side’s midfield. His passing needs to improve for a side that is often in control of the ball in domestic games.
Miralem Pjanic 7 – A characteristically assured display from the midfielder, who helped Juve control possession and win the battle in the middle of the park.
Blaise Matuidi 6 – Good defensively, but wasteful from an attacking sense as a few of his attempts to link up with players like Ronaldo and Dybala failed thanks to poor touches or decision-making.
Paulo Dybala 5 – Struggled to have an influence on the game, blazing one shot wide when the Dybala of early last season would have at least hit the target. Still looking to find top form.
Mario Mandzukic 9 – Enjoying a run as Juve’s lead striker, as the decision to play him through the centre and Ronaldo out wide continues to pay dividends. Two excellent poachers’ goals from the Croat.
Cristiano Ronaldo 9 – Would have wanted to get on the scoresheet himself, but will have to be content with knowing he set up all three goals on Saturday. His cross for Mandzukic and flick-on for Bonucci were excellent.
Ronaldo and Mandzukic: the stars for the show.
SUBSTITUTES
Rodrigo Bentancur 6 – Came on for Can, but offered little improvement as his passing was even more wayward.
Federico Bernardeschi 7 – Would have been disappointed not to start, and in the half-hour cameo that he had, he showed that he probably should have, making much more of an impact than Dybala had.
Juan Cuadrado 6 – A late substitute, Cuadrado had little time to make an impact, although he provided fresh legs as Massimiliano withdrew the superb Mandzukic.
