Player Ratings: Torino 1-1 Juventus – Tension and magic goals

Juventus collected yet another Serie A draw, this time against city rivals Torino, despite an early goal from MVP Kenan Yildiz.

The Turkey international broke the deadlock after just eight minutes in the derby della Mole on Saturday, but ex-West Ham midfielder Nikola Vlasic levelled the score seconds before the half-time break.

It was a tense match in Turin, which started with a clash between players after less than two minutes and continued with both coaches sent off in the second half.

The Bianconeri were without the injured Dusan Vlahovic, so Nico Gonzalez played the full 90 minutes as a false nine. The Argentinean used his body wisely throughout the game, but Torino keeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic pulled off a superb save in the second half to deny the ex-Fiorentina star.

Vlasic’s late goal in the first half boosted Torino’s confidence, so the Granata pushed forward after the break, forcing Juventus to a defensive performance for over 20 minutes. Duvan Zapata’s absence was as felt as ever, even if Scotland international Ché Adams fought hard against the Bianconeri’s defenders.

Given their season targets, neither Juventus nor Torino can be happy with a draw. The Granata have gone ten years without winning a derby and are just five points above the drop zone, while Juventus remain three points below a Champions League spot but will be leapfrogged by Fiorentina in fifth if the Tuscans beat Monza away on Monday.

Torino 1-1 Juventus – player ratings

Torino: Milinkovic-Savic 6.5; Vojvoda 6, Coco 6.5, Maripan 6.5, Sosa 5.5 (90′ Walukiewicz N/A); Ricci 7, Linetty 5 (72′ Tameze 5); Lazaro 6.5 (90′ Njie N/A), Vlasic7, Karamoh 6.5 (62′ Pedersen 5); Adams 6 (90′ Sanabria N/A). Coach: Vanoli 6.5.

Best Torino players: Ricci and Vlasic 7: The Italy international dictated the tempo and was physically up to the task, while the Croat scored a super goal and didn’t even seem tired at the end of the game, making many clever touches.

Lowest Torino rating – Linetty 5: He won just one duel (via Sofascore) and passes were not accurate enough.

Torino coach: Vanoli 6.5 – He perfectly embodied the Granata’s Grinta and added even more to it. Torino looked the better side for a long time in the second half. A win would have probably been too much, but the draw is deserved.

Juventus: Di Gregorio 6; Savona 6 (71′ Cambiaso 6), Gatti 6, Kalulu 6.5, McKennie 6; Douglas Luiz 5.5, Thuram 5; Yildiz 7.5, Koopmeiners 5, Mbangula 6.5 (77′ Weah 6); Nico Gonzalez 6. Coach: Motta 5.

Best Juventus player – Yildiz 7.5: A stunning goal to open the game. Dribbled past two defenders and found the net at the near post. Anything could happen when he had the ball and he also helped the team defensively. Outstanding.

Lowest Juventus rating – Koopmeiners and Thuram 5 – It is still unclear whether Koopmeiners, today’s captain, should play in the middle of the park or as an attacking midfielder. He had an excellent chance in the second half, but his shot from a central position found Milinkovic-Savic’s gloves. As for Thuram, he should have blocked the Vlasic shot that resulted in Torino’s equaliser.

Juventus coach Motta 5—Time passes, and Juventus still have the same problems. The ball moves too slowly, and the players lack the mental solidity and experience to hold on to leads. His red card in the second half will force him to miss Tuesday’s game against Atalanta. This is a big blow.