A complete performance, Juventus defeated Genoa 4-0 to collect their 33rd consecutive Serie A homd win, edging ever closer to another league title.
Il Secolo XIX had dubbed this match "Mission Impossible" for Genoa noting that only a paranormal phenomenon akin to catching a "wave of green lights" or "finding parking downtown during rush hour" can halt the Old Lady in her tracks.
Playing with confidence and intensity, Juventus approached this game with the right attitude and made their superiority count as they overwhelmed Genoa and struck early to show their intent.
The Rossoblu are famous for their aggression and tried to man mark the Bianconeri to hinder their offensive power but Juve's fluid movements and perfect chemistry helped them to achieve a comprehensive victory.
Positives
After a physically and mentally exhausting week that saw Juventus dump Barcelona out of the Champions League, many expected a low-key performance in Serie A. Instead the Bianconeri chose to play with intensity and desire, determined to show off their superiority from the get go and to achieve another win to help secure domestic success.
Negatives
Truly none to speak of except Juventus should have probably scored more goals considering the plethora of chances they created.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Massimiliano Allegri changed the tactics but still ensured his side produced a rampant performance full of confidence and ambition. His fluid and tactically versatile side look unstoppable and desperate not to drop their concentration at this stage of the season.
Player ratings (1-10, with 10 the best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating):
GK Neto, 6 -- His goal kicks leave a lot to be desired and he rarely looks confident on the ball, especially not when the opponent runs at him in an effort to apply pressure.
DF Andrea Barzagli, 6 -- A composed performer who always transmits a sense of calm, winning his aerial duels and tackling well.
DF Leonardo Bonucci, 7 -- A performance worthy of a few superlatives. He read the game well at the back, scored a seemingly legitimate goal that was chalked off but managed another from an exquisite move that he finished off stupendously.
DF Medhi Benatia, 6 -- Recovered possession and made important clearances ensuring a concentrated and solid performance at the back.
MF Stephan Lichtsteiner, 6 -- Always balanced his duties well, knowing when to prioritise defence and when to push forward to help penetrate.
MF Sami Khedira, 6 -- Another excellent performance by the German who laid off the ball for Paulo Dybala to score, made timely runs forward and added the quality in midfield.
MF Claudio Marchisio, 6 -- The intellectual midfielder seems to be back to his best. His positioning was almost always excellent and his perfect run forward resulted in Juve's first goal. Struck the ball confidently to nearly score at the end of the game and closed down the spaces at the back to ensure defensive solidity.
MF Kwadwo Asamoah, 6 -- Came very close to adding to the goal scoring tally and tried to offer more in the attacking phase.
FW Paulo Dybala, 7 -- His technique keeps getting better and better as he turned beautifully to overcome his opponents and dribble past the pressure. Combined with Sami Khedira to score Juve's second, he is the mesmeric talent who is crucial between the lines.
FW Gonzalo Higuain, 7 -- Was involved in helping to create so many chances but sadly couldn't score one himself. Vital in the run up to the first and second goal, he roamed around the final third relentlessly, creating space and delivering for his teammates.
FW Mario Mandzukic, 7 -- A delightful finish to score the goal, Mandzukic put in another complete performance as he dominated the left flank, worked hard to win back possession and created for his teammates. Tactically smart.
Substitutes
MF Tomas Rincon, 6 -- Came on to ensure strength in midfield, he can always be relied upon to provide security.
MF Stefano Sturaro, N/A -- Controlled the ball quite well but wasn't offered much time to make an impact.
MF Rolando Mandragora, N/A -- Came on and immediately looked to make an impact, delivering a divine pass for Sturaro. Ambitious and confident, he showed his potential despite the few minutes he was offered on the pitch.