Juventus and Lazio played for the Italian Super Cup in Shanghai on an awful pitch with windy weather due the Typhoon Soudelor.
The initial surprise was Kingsley Coman starting. Everyone believed it was going to be Paulo Dybala who complemented Mario Mandzukic, however Max Allegri preferred the French youngster instead of the Argentinian. Juventus began with a 3-5-2 and Lazio chose their dangerous 3-4-3.
The first half brought few emotions and was played at a slow tempo. Lazio looked dangerous on the counterattack at the beginning, but Juventus took control of the ball and the match, however they couldn't capitalize their superior possession. The only threatening action was the shot made by Stephan Lichtsteiner on the 25th minute sending a long-range effort just over the crossbar.
The second half begun livelier. Just at the start, Paul Pogba fed Mandzukic brilliantly, but the Croatian striker missed a 1-on-1 chance against Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti. Allegri decided to make his first substitution by replacing Coman with Dybala at the 60th minute. Eight minutes later, Stefano Sturaro curled a great cross into the box for Mandzukic, who bullied Dusan Basta to score on a close-range header.
Right after, Mandzukic crafted a beautiful play on the right flank before crossing the ball to the back post where Pogba was waiting. The French star assisted Dybala, who beat Marchetti with a violent shot to the ceiling of the net.
Lazio tried to comeback, however Gigi Buffon and the second version of Juventus’ BBC closed the game as always. It was an important triumph for the Bianconeri in a tricky environment; with this victory Juventus has won seven Italian Supercups and became the leader in that category. AC Milan has six and Inter has five.
LE PAGELLE
Buffon 6 — Our Captain was barely tested. That said, one of the many qualities of Gigi is to make plays look easy. It is never easy for a goalkeeper to deliver in such bad weather.
Barzagli 6.5 — Trademark match for the "Great Wall of Barza" who never took a false step and manage Felipe Anderson appropriately.
Bonucci 6.5 — How about that save in the final minutes? Leo was all over the defensive line and by now is clear that he is one of the pillars of the team.
Caceres 6 — He started a little shaky against Antonio Candreva, but he recovered form and performed correctly
Lichtsteiner 6 — The Swiss Express was involved on attack early in the game and displayed chemistry with Sturaro. He was accurate on defense.
Marchisio 6 — Il Principino was very quiet offensively, maybe it was justified by the conditions of the pitch. However, he showed smarts and determination defensively.
Sturaro 6.5 — Arturo Vidal gone and Sami Khedira injured? No problem, release the Sturaro! The industrious midfielder was everywhere and even assisted the first goal with a lovely cross.
Pogba 6.5 — I really liked Paul in this match. He lacked finesse but he wasn't afraid to be the leader of Juventus’ offense. He easily could have had one more assist in the game.
Evra 6 — A quiet night for the veteran Frenchman who could not find his rhythm offensively. That said, he played with his usual composure without the ball.
Coman 5.5 — I really like the kid and I was glad to see him starting. He needs to gain some weight and play more minutes. His future is bright but he is still raw.
Mandzukic 6.5 — He wasted a great opportunity at the beginning of the second half, but showed short memory. He scored with a header and cooperated heavily in the second goal. This guy is a killer.
Substitutes
Dyabala 6 — He scored with great class. However, he needs to play with more discipline. Lost a lot of balls in the final minutes of the game. That said, the sky is the limit for "La Joya."
Llorente s/v
Pereyra s/v