Two goals and a record-setting afternoon. According to Opta data, Leonardo Bonucci is the MVP from matchday 35 in Serie A. At the Allianz Stadium on Sunday, it took just seven minutes for the Bianconeri defender to open the scoring against Venezia: de Ligt headed Miretti’s free kick towards the six-yard box, where the 35-year-old was waiting to nod home on the day of his birthday. Juventus maintained their one-goal advantage until the 71st minute, when Aramu levelled matters. Five minutes later, however, Bonucci bagged the winning goal, finishing off Danilo’s assist. In addition to sealing the three points for the Old Lady, the defender’s brace was significant on an individual level too. Bonucci has now scored five goals this Serie A season, a new record for him in a single top-flight campaign. Furthermore, his two goals on Sunday arrived in 2022, meaning he now shares the record of being the defender who has found the net in the most calendar years in Serie A since 2000 (13, along with Giorgio Chiellini).

In addition to his two goals, he made an excellent contribution in defence, thus producing an all-round great performance. In attack, he didn’t just score twice (his second brace this Serie A season after the one he bagged against Lazio in November), he also displayed a clear willingness to take aim (three shots; out of all the players on the field, only Aramu had more) and accuracy in his passing (50 successful passes, behind Danilo with 59 and Ceccaroni with 56). In defence, meanwhile, he made the most interceptions (the only one with two to his name) and the most clearances out of all his teammates (four; in general, only Caldara did better with six). A great display, then, and one which proved just how effective the experienced defender can be in all areas of the pitch.

Match stats against Venezia

Goals: 2

Shots: 3

Shots on target: 2

Clearances: 4