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Juventus Struggle at Marassi: Player Ratings After Genoa Loss

Juventus controlled possession but lacked the sharpness needed as Genoa scored twice within the first half-hour, ending Juventus' recent superiority in this fixture.

Luciano Spalletti's team had kept five consecutive Serie A clean sheets versus Genoa, yet that streak ended just 12 minutes into the game at the Luigi Ferraris. The opening goal came when Kingsley Ehizibue's shot deflected off Andrea Cambiaso, and Tommaso Baldanzi doubled Genoa’s lead on 28 minutes after Pierre Kalulu failed to clear under pressure from Vitinha.

Juventus had 63% of the ball and an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.28 but only managed four shots on target out of 17 attempts against a well-organized Genoa defense. Spalletti’s substitutions added urgency after halftime, with Teun Koopmeiners hitting the crossbar in stoppage time, but the damage was done. This loss places Juventus eighth with 14 points.

Goalkeeper & Defense

  • Guglielmo Vicario (5/10): Faced only two shots on target and conceded both. Unlucky with the deflected first goal and badly exposed for the second. Also had an early mix-up with Federico Gatti on a backpass.
  • Jhon Lucumí (6/10): Reliable on the left side of the back three. Pushed forward late, forcing a stop from Justin Bijlow with a left-footed effort during added time.
  • Bremer (7/10): The captain made a crucial block to deny Vitinha at 2-0. He was Juventus’ main aerial threat after the break, narrowly missing headers from corners and crosses. Was fortunate to avoid a booking for a foul on Vitinha.
  • Federico Gatti (5/10): Had a shaky start, nearly costly due to a miscommunication with Vicario. Headed wide from Kalulu's cross before being substituted at halftime for striker Nick Woltemade.

Midfield

  • Pierre Kalulu (5/10): Played as right wing-back. His failure to clear under pressure led directly to Genoa's second goal. Later missed a great chance from 12 yards before halftime. Showed attacking spirit but those moments defined his night.
  • Douglas Luiz (6/10): Controlled much of the ball when Juventus dominated play. Assisted Kerim Alajbegovic’s first-half shot saved by Bijlow. However, many passes were sideways or safe. Replaced by Koopmeiners at 77 minutes.
  • Pape Sarr (6/10): Worked hard in midfield and delivered a dangerous cross to Randal Kolo Muani in the first half. Struggled to make an impact later and was replaced by Jérémie Boga in the 59th minute.
  • Andrea Cambiaso (6/10): Against his former club, endured a tough evening. Unlucky to deflect the opening shot into his own net but contributed early passes before being substituted for Juan Cabal at 59 minutes.
  • Weston McKennie (7/10): Created Juventus’ best chances. Set up Kalulu’s missed opportunity and threaded a pass to Kolo Muani. Delivered the cross leading to Bremer’s headed chance.
  • Kerim Alajbegovic (6/10): Started ahead of Woltemade and Koopmeiners. Most active shooter in the first half, forcing a save from Bijlow. Lost possession leading to a dangerous Genoa break. Subbed at halftime.

Attack

  • Randal Kolo Muani (5/10): Frustrating outing, touching the ball only eight times in the first half. Missed a key chance after a through ball from McKennie but assisted Woltemade’s chance later.

Substitutes and Manager

  • Edon Zhegrova (7/10): Entered at halftime and instantly energized Juventus. Booked for pulling back Ethan Meichtry. Forced a save with a deflected strike and set up both Bremer’s header and Koopmeiners’ late free-kick attempt.
  • Nick Woltemade (6/10): Added physical presence upfront. Fired wide after a pull-back from Kolo Muani and had a stoppage-time header saved near the top corner.
  • Juan Cabal (6/10): Came on for Cambiaso at 59 minutes, offering a natural left-footed option but had limited impact in attack.
  • Jérémie Boga (6/10): Substituted for Sarr at 59 minutes. Grew into the match late, having a shot blocked and crossing for Woltemade's late header.
  • Teun Koopmeiners (6/10): Replaced Douglas Luiz in the 77th minute. Nearly scored a consolation with a deflected shot hitting the crossbar in stoppage time.
  • Luciano Spalletti (4/10): Juventus seemed caught off guard by Genoa's counterattack early on. Changes improved rhythm in the second half, but the team lacked a clear alternative plan against a deep defensive setup.

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