Juventus 2-1 Hellas Verona: Three talking points | Serie A 2019/20

After drawing two consecutive matches in all competitions, Juventus got back to winning ways with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Hellas Verona at the Juventus Stadium.

Maurizio Sarri handed first starts of the campaign to four players, and it was one of those who got them back in the game, with Aaron Ramsey's deflected shot from distance drawing Juventus level after Miguel Veloso had put the visitors ahead from a rebounded penalty.

The win sees the Turin giants climb to the top of the table (albeit until the conclusion of the Milan derby later tonight), and in this piece, we shall be highlighting three talking points from the fixture.

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#3 Gianluigi Buffon the history maker

Buffon the legend.

When Gianluigi Buffon arrived Juventus from Parma in the summer of 2001, he did so with a burgeoning reputation as one of the fastest rising goalkeepers, and was deservedly made the most expensive goalkeeper in history at the time.

Though the talent was there, few could have predicted the stunning impact he would have on his adopted home over the next 17 years.

From the moment he made his debut for the Bianconeri until when he departed for PSG in 2018, the former Italian international was the club's undisputed number one, and played a starring role in helping the side to become the all-conquering force they are today, while the fact that he did not leave despite suffering relegation in 2006 further endeared him to the fans.

After spending one year away with PSG, the 2006 World Cup-winner returned to Juventus, but with his status as number one ceded to Wojciech Szczęsny, the 41-year-old had just one request; playing in at least eight matches to break Paolo Maldini's record for most Serie A appearances.

His wish went some way to being granted when he was handed the start in the match against Verona, and though still some way off the Serie A record, it did mean he took in his 902nd club appearance across spells with Parma, PSG and Juventus.

This saw him equal the mark set by Paolo Maldini (who did so in just the colors of Milan), and leaves Buffon six games short of the legendary defender's total of 647 Serie A matches.

Though he would have liked a clean sheet to mark the occasion, Buffon was powerless to stop Miguel Veloso's goal, although he did make a stunning save to deny Dazor Lakovic in the last minute.

Ramsey found himself on the scoresheet.

#2 Defensive frailties creep up once again

Merih Demiral was not convincing at the back.

It might seem a tad strange to associate defensive shortcomings with Juventus, as, over the years, the Bianconeri have earned a reputation of being astute at the back.

However, they have been less than stellar in their defensive performances so far this season, and this was once ore brought to the fore in the game against Verona.

Miguel Veloso's goal means that Juventus have now conceded six goals from just five matches, while they also threw away three-goal and two-goal margins in the games against Napoli and Atletico Madrid respectively.

Furthermore, the Serie A champions have allowed a whopping 70 shots at their goal so far this campaign, which is shocking to say the least.

New signing Matthijs de Ligt has not looked entirely convincing alongside Leonardo Bonucci, and Maurizio Sarri replaced the 19-year-old with Merih Demiral in the starting lineup.

However, the Turkish international failed to cover himself in glory, and was the culprit for the penalty after bringing down Samuel Di Carmine in the box.

Moreover, the 21-year-old was caught out of possession on a number of occasions, and while Juventus fans were interested in aesthetically pleasing football, they would not have bargained for it coming at the cost of their defensive solidity and, in the continued absence of captain Giorgio Chiellini, Maurizio Sarri must find a way to solve this conundrum fast.

#1 Ronaldo the difference maker

Ronaldo scored a penalty to put Juventus 2-1 up.

This has been a subdued campaign by Cristiano Ronaldo's high standards, as heading into the clash with Verona, the 34-year-old had scored just one goal and registered one assist from four matches in all competitions.

However, despite that, the Portuguese international remains a man who can be counted upon to deliver when it matters most.

When Federico La Penna pointed to the spot in the 48th minute for a Juventus penalty, the game was still tied at one apiece, with the next goal in the match being absolutely crucial.

Such scenarios are where Ronaldo thrives best, and when he made his run up to the spot, there was only going to be one outcome, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner blasting the ball through the middle to put Juventus 2-1 up.

As it happened, Ronaldo's calmly-dispatched spot-kick was enough to give Juventus all three points as they continue their march towards a record extending ninth Scudetti in a row.

Maurizio Sarri.