Italy
Ivan Perišić thanks the fans after scoring the equalizing goal on Sunday
PHOTO: inter
Inter roll continues as they got their 4th W on a row having beaten Udinese 2-1 on Sunday after being down 1-0. Marcelo Brozović and Ivan Perišić got a start and went practically the distance, having the latter been substituted only in the 91st minute at the solescope of being given an ovation from those supporters who bravely followed the team in Friuli in the coldest weekend of the year. Marcelo Brozović looked in worse shape than before the holidays as he did not shine in the midfield nor did bring his usual offensive weapons. Pioli spoke with him many times during the match with no evident results. The former Dinamo midfielder also picked up a yellow which will result in a one match ban.
Ivan Perišić two goals
Ivan Perišić was the main star of the day as his performance grew up with time. The former Wolfsburg star did initially struggle against Widmer, when looked to be having one of those passive days he’s already showed a plenty. However, he did not give up and tried to give a hand in defense anytime he could at first, then as soon as the nerazzurri felt the urgency to turn the match around the Splićanin giant stepped up to the best of his game both physically and technically and went on to decide the game with a brace. Other than that another disallowed goal and a dangerous free kick. Six goals in the Serie A season, four of which decisive, having previously banged in late goals vs Milan and Juventus. When he plays like this he is just a beast and one of the best players in the league.
Stipe Perica came on in the 72 minute with his team defending and little to no chance to shine. He did not do anything to turn things around. Andrija Balić looked on from the bench.
La Gazzetta dello sport Ratings Marcelo Brozović 5,5 “Suffers Jankto’s dynamism. Does not defend. Get better in the second half but too many bad passes (19) and lost balls (26).” Ivan Perišić: MOTM 7,5 “First brace in serie A. 3 out of his 6 goals were assisted by Icardi. Their feeling is improving.” Stipe Perica 5,5 “Not much time up front, just right when there Inter are pushing.”
Mario Mandžukić checks in off the bench on Sunday
PHOTO:Juventus
Juventus got off to a good start in the new year as they easily beat Bologna 3-0 on Sunday night. Allegri said that in spite of a slow start of the season Dybala will be pivotal from now on and as a result Mario Mandžukić was left on the bench. The former Atletico star came on in the 74th minute for Higuain who scored a brace with the result already set. Mario played as solid as expected and did not have any chance to update his scoring tally. Marko Pjaca looked on from the bench.
La Gazzetta dello sport Ratings: Mario Mandžukić 6 “Hugs Higuain when came on but wasn’t reciprocated. Looks industrious in the field to get some playable balls.”
Josip Posavec couldn’t save the game winning penalty on Saturday
Photo: ilnapolista.it
Palermo surrendered 1-0 away to Empoli on Saturday in what will probably be remembered as the ultimate relegation clash of the season. With 10 points after 19 matches and 7 points behind the first safe spot, avoiding relegation requires a miracle. Josip Posavec played the whole match and had the less busy day in the season so far. He made a fantastic save on Bellusci and conceded only on a penalty.
La Gazzetta dello sport Ratings: Josip Posavec 6 “Stops Bellusic with a great save. Right guess on the penalty but cannot save.
Ivan Strinić(left) in action against Sampdoria on Saturday
Photo: ilnapolista.it
Napoli trail Roma for the second spot continue as the Azzurri had the best out of Sampdoria 2-1 in the 5th minute of injury time on Saturday night. Due to the African Cup competion on the horizon, and therefore Ghoulam’s absence, Ivan Strinić was given a start and went the distance. The former Hajduk full back put up a good overall display especially in the offensive end having struggled in the first half. He was not fully innocent on the goal that gave Sampdoria the momentary advantage as he did not look enough attentive and let an easy ball pass. He also suffered a lot on defensive 1 on 1 situations in the first half. Strinić was nonetheless always ready to support the offensive play and looked unstoppable at times. Chipped in a few crosses and served the assist for the game winner that gave Napoli 3 vital points.
Strinić assist
“Strinić made a couple of clamorous defensive mistakes” manager Maurizio Sarri stated at the end of the match “One on a throw in and another tackle he should not have tried in the first place” he continued. “He did good things in the second half and I understand that who does not play that often can find difficulties sometimes” The Azzurri’s gaffer concluded. Marko Rog and Ante Budimir looked on from the bench.
La Gazzetta dello sport Ratings: Ivan Strinić 6 “It can be seen he has not played a lot, especially when marking. Grows with time and serves Tonelli for the final goal.”
Mario Pašalić in action for AC Milan against Cagliari on Sunday
Photo: AC Milan
Milan’s good season continues as the rossoneri beat Cagliari 1-0 with a late goal on Sunday. Mario Pašalić was a stater but left the game with 12 minutes to go and the score set on 0-0. The former Chelsea midfielder’s distribution was precise as usual and his defensive support was sufficient. He was however less involved than in previous matches and his pace was below his standard as well, which is not that great to start with. Though not a bad overall performance, surely a forgettable one.
La Gazzetta dello sport Ratings Mario Pašalić 5,5 “There is some confusion in the midfield and he is clearly affected. Touches not so many balls and hardly ever moves without ball.”
Hrvoje Milić Milan Badelj and Nikola Kalinić haven’t kicked a ball yet in the new year as Pescara-Fiorentina was postponed because of snow. The match is likely to be played on the 18th of January but only later in the day an official decision will be made public.
Next Matches:
Tuesday, 1/10
Spezia at Napoli(Coppa Italia), Las Palmas at Atlético Madrid(Copa del Rey),
Wednesday, 1/11
Chievo at Fiorentina(Coppa Italia), Atalanta at Juventus(Coppa Italia), Athletic Club at Barcelona(Copa del Rey),
Thursday, 1/12
Real Madrid at Sevilla(Copa del Rey), Torino at Milan(Coppa Italia),
Saturday, 1/14
Chievo at Inter, Las Palmas at Barcelona, Real Betis at Atlético Madrid,
Sunday, 1/15
Liverpool at Manchester United, Monaco at Olympique Marseille, Real Madrid at Sevilla, Eibar at Sporting Gijón, Juventus at Fiorentina, Roma at Udinese, Pescara at Napoli, Palermo at Sassuolo,
~Salvatore Cagnazzi reporting from Italy