Juventus delivered another convincing performance, this time in Sicily against Palermo at the Stadio Renzo Barbera, coming away 3-0 winners and moving up to fifth on the Serie A table.
The first half ended 0-0 with plenty of chances for the visitors. Leonardo Bonucci and Paulo Dybala missed great chances to head past Stefano Sorrentino.
The second half began much like the first with the reigning champions pressing forward looking to get behind the Palermo defence and eventually it was Dybala who provided the assist for Mario Mandzukic’s second goal in as many games.
Stefano Sturaro doubled Juve’s advantage with minutes remaining before substitute Simone Zaza scored with the final kick of the game to end the match at 3-0.
The pieces are starting to come together for Juve
Today’s win sees Juventus go six games unbeaten across all competitions and finally move into Serie A’s top five for the first time this season. Allegri’s men are playing with more confidence and look like a completely different side to the one that struggled to win its midfield battles and get on top of its opponents earlier in the season.
With Claudio Marchisio back in the team and sharpening his game, we are starting to see Juve attack much more convincingly and look like the dangerous opponent they have become over the past four seasons.
Mandzukic has managed to get himself on the scoresheet yet again, giving Juve the important go-ahead goal against a Palermo defence that was resilient up until that point. His potency in front of goal is starting to become a great weapon for the Bianconeri as they look to stretch their current run of form and climb up the table.
Stefano Sturaro stepping up
Sturaro’s ability to play the ball may be somewhat poor, but what he lacks in playmaking skills he makes up for with his work rate and industry in midfield. Sturaro works hard in covering ground and breaking up opposition attacks. The 22-year-old has stepped up admirably when asked for Juventus in big game situations, particularly against Real Madrid in last season’s Champions League, where he made his debut. Now, he is stepping up fantastically well in Sami Khedira’s absence.
Less reliance on Dybala
Earlier in the season it was all Dybala for Juventus. The Argentine was the only shining light in a team that was struggling in just about every department. With Mandzukic stepping up, the recent run of form from Alex Sandro and Paul Pogba slowly bringing his best, Juventus are becoming a more well rounded side that is less reliant on its young Argentine striker.
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