Genoa - Juventus: Match Report (26.08.17)

It was looking like a repeat horror show of last season’s visit to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris for Juventus as Genoa took only 12 minutes to go 2-0 ahead. A Pjanic own goal and for the second time in as many matches Juventus conceded a penalty from VAR decision. Unfortunately for Juventus unlike last week’s opening match against Cagliari, Buffon would not come to the rescue as Galabinov (who some might argue was in an offside position during the lead up to the penalty decision) fired home for 2-0

Juventus fans were probably suffering from flash backs to the 3-1 defeat delt here last season prior to Dybala grabbing a goal back 14 minutes later with an effort at the near post. Juventus would have spells of possession but Genoa always looked a threat on the counter and at times looking the more likely of the two sides to score again. Juventus would almost level the score line through Dybala but Perrin was equal to the number 10s effort as well as Mandzukic who struck an effort from the rebound

There was confusion as the game approached half time as the match came to a stop before what looked like would be a Juventus corner only for the referee to change the decision to a penalty this time for Juventus. Dybala would not be denied this time from Perrin to make it 2-2 going into half time

Thankfully the second half didn’t kick off as frantically as the first did and Juventus eventually took the lead for the first time from a brilliant Cuadrado strike assisted by Mandzukic. Genoa however did not give up and were encouraged by Juventus sitting deep towards the end of the match but eventually the result was put beyond doubt when Dybala completed his first hat trick for Juventus on the 92^nd minute to make it 4-2

Positives: Dybala showed once again why he is so valuable to Juventus with his skills and goals making it 4 goals scored in the opening two matches

Midfield looked more solid with the introduction of new signing Matuidi who is an immediate upgrade on Khedira and it was no coincidence Juventus looked better with the French man on the pitch

Negatives: Higuain continually giving the ball away in the first half by miss placing the ball and hitting wide when a striker of his quality really should be hitting the target especially inside the penalty area

Khedira could at best be described as statue like for the majority of his time spent on the pitch. Sooner Matuidi becomes a first team regular the better

Cuadrado despite his wonderful goal was again disappointing like the previous two games against Lazio & Cagliari, Douglas Costa really should be replacing him at some point this season