Certainly not a memorable performance, but we definitely deserved the win. As has often been the case lately, we played with more heart than brain. Which is understandable considering that Hellas switched to 6-3-1 as soon as they scored and that our repeated failures to find the breakthrough kept increasing the pressure on our players with every passing minute. Anyway, I've heard too many times the mantra about "the ruthless efficiency of the big team" (referred to a non-coloured, mafioso team from Turin*) to really care about the way we won. We scored two perfectly valid goals, could have scored a few more, Hellas did practically nothing besides the goal... now it's just time to dig in and push forward. Then we must do whatever we can to complete (strengthen) the roster in January and see if
Conte can deliver.
Lazaro confirmed the good impressions he had left in his last two appearances. Once again, he put in a few good crosses and showed that he can beat his man regularly. I don't think he's particularly fast, but he's got a great acceleration (which vaguely reminds me of Maicon's). He should definitely be given a run of games after the international break.
Biraghi had an average game. He put in a few interesting crosses in the first half, but slowly faded out of the game during the second half.
Candreva partook in the final push. He didn't do anything worth mentioning, but then again he played out of position.
D'Ambrosio is back. Good.
It's difficult to rate the performances of our defence. On one hand, one could say that we conceded (once again) on what was basically the only offensive foray Hellas attempted in the first 80 minutes of play. On the other hand, though, Hellas' ultra defensive setup allowed them to constantly join in the attack. As for the play that resulted in the penalty,
Handanovic was silly in letting himself being fooled by Lazovic. He didn't intend to foul him, but still offered his body as the perfect diving board for the Serb. Also, I think
de Vrij was at fault for not following his run. He should have been the one closing on him, not Handanovic.
Skriniar looks definitely more at ease on the right and today was much more involved in our attacks.
Bastoni's got balls. His lack of experience is evident at times, but all in all I'm very satisfied with his performances so far. Generally speaking, I believe that in time today's will become our base defensive line-up.
Two of our midfielders scored, whereas the third hit the crossbar. Great. That being said, Hellas parking the bus made it extremely difficult for them to find the right passing lanes, especially because we lack the sparkle that is often needed to find an opening when the spaces are tight. We could easily get the ball to their final third, but then their box was a clusterfuck of bodies. Anyway, I think
Vecino did his usual game, that is to say disappearing for large parts of the game only to pop up at the end of a cross (happened three times today).
Brozovic played a lot of balls, but couldn't find a way through Hellas' wall, while
Barella fought the usual battle in midfield, misplacing several passes, but then coming up with that brilliant goal and winning us the game.
Our two strikers had an average game. They spared no effort, but their end product was just disappointing. Again, Hellas congested their box, making it hard to find an opening, but still they were too inaccurate (
Lukaku) or hesitant (
Lautaro) on several occasions. Good thing we won, because otherwise Lukaku's blunder would have haunted us for the next two weeks.
Esposito didn't get particularly involved in his few minutes. Lastly,
Salcedo was brilliant in botching every possible counterattack for Hellas. Well done, Eddie!
* HINT: it's not Torino