Juventus Player Ratings After 2-0 Loss to Genoa Highlight Kalulu’s Costly Mistake

Juventus controlled possession but lacked the sharpness needed as Genoa scored twice in the first 30 minutes to end Juventus’ recent dominance in this fixture. Luciano Spalletti's team had kept five straight Serie A clean sheets against Genoa, but that streak was broken within 12 minutes at the Luigi Ferraris stadium.

Genoa opened the scoring when Kingsley Ehizibue’s shot deflected off Andrea Cambiaso, followed by Tommaso Baldanzi doubling the lead at 28 minutes after Pierre Kalulu failed to clear under pressure from Vitinha.

Despite finishing with 63% possession and an expected goals (xG) of 1.28, Juventus managed only four shots on target from 17 attempts against a well-organized Genoa defense. Spalletti's substitutions brought more urgency after halftime, with Teun Koopmeiners hitting the underside of the crossbar in stoppage time, yet it wasn’t enough. This loss leaves Juventus eighth in Serie A with 14 points.

Goalkeeper & Defence

• Guglielmo Vicario (5/10): Faced just two shots on target but conceded both. Unlucky with the deflected opener and badly exposed for the second goal. Also had an early mix-up with Federico Gatti over a backpass.
• Jhon Lucumí (6/10): Reliable on the left side of the back three and pushed forward late, forcing a stoppage-time save from Genoa’s keeper Justin Bijlow with a left-footed shot.
• Bremer (7/10): Captain showed leadership with a crucial block to deny Vitinha at 2-0. Was Juventus’ main aerial threat after halftime, nearly scoring headers from corners. Escaped a booking for a foul on Vitinha.
• Federico Gatti (5/10): Had a shaky start, including a dangerous early mix-up with Vicario. Missed a header from Kalulu’s cross and was substituted at halftime for striker Nick Woltemade.

Midfield

• Pierre Kalulu (5/10): His night was defined by two critical moments: failing to clear the ball under pressure which led to Genoa’s second goal, and missing a clear chance from 12 yards in first-half stoppage time. Showed attacking effort elsewhere but those errors overshadowed his performance.
• Douglas Luiz (6/10): Held possession well once Juventus took control and set up Kerim Alajbegovic’s first-half attempt. Passed mostly sideways and was replaced by Koopmeiners on 77 minutes.
• Pape Sarr (6/10): Worked hard in midfield, delivering a dangerous cross early on. However, he struggled to influence play later and was subbed off for Jérémie Boga at 59 minutes.
• Andrea Cambiaso (6/10): Against his former club, he had a tough night. Unfortunate to deflect the opening goal into his own net but contributed key passes before being replaced by Juan Cabal on 59 minutes.
• Weston McKennie (7/10): Created Juventus’ best attacking moments, setting up Kalulu’s big chance, slipping through Kolo Muani, and assisting Bremer’s header.
• Kerim Alajbegovic (6/10): Started ahead of Woltemade and Koopmeiners, taking multiple shots and forcing a save. Lost possession leading to a dangerous Genoa counterattack and was taken off at halftime.

Attack

• Randal Kolo Muani (5/10): Had a frustrating game with only eight touches in the first half. Missed a good chance after McKennie’s pass but assisted Woltemade later in the second half.

Substitutes & Manager

• Edon Zhegrova (7/10): Came on at halftime and immediately added energy. Booked for pulling back an opponent, forced a save with a deflected shot, and provided the corner and free-kick leading to Juventus’ chances late on.
• Nick Woltemade (6/10): Brought a different physical presence upfront. Missed a shot inside the box and had a stoppage-time header saved.
• Juan Cabal (6/10): Replaced Cambiaso offering a more natural left-foot option but made little impact in attack.
• Jérémie Boga (6/10): Substituted for Sarr and improved as the game went on, having a shot blocked and crossing for Woltemade’s late header.
• Teun Koopmeiners (6/10): Entered late and nearly scored with a free-kick effort that hit the crossbar in stoppage time.
• Luciano Spalletti (4/10): Juventus appeared unready for Genoa’s counter-attacks early. Changes raised tempo after halftime but the team lacked a clear strategy to break down Genoa’s defensive setup.