Match Coverages
Match report and player ratings: Dybala lets feet do the talking
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Juventus have beaten Udinese 2-0 at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday evening. Not the most exciting match, but the Bianconeri got the three points and close the gap to top 4. They are now tied on points with Atalanta, who have two games in hand. Max Statman gives you a quick breakdown and player ratings.
Udinese’s gameplan was evident after only a couple of minutes: drop back and counter. It was up to Juventus to break them down. There were a couple of half chances, like when Kean headed the ball against the back of an Udinese defender. Juve got their first real opportunity in the 19th minute and it meant a goal immediately. Arthur passed it to Kean, who had his back towards the goal, but the Italian striker was still able to get it directly to Paulo Dybala. The Argentinian came face to face with Udinese goalkeeper Padelli and left him no chance.
Dybala answers
Dybala let his feet do the talking after a week full of reports about his contract extension. La Joya didn’t celebrate after his goal but instead gave a look towards the management in the stands, indicating that a renewal isn’t done yet. A clear sign by Juve’s star player. Udinese put Szczesny to work after 36 minutes. Beto shot from outside the box, but it was an easy diving save for the Polish goalkeeper.
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Juve’s first chance in the second half came from a free kick. Cuadrado swung it in towards the near post, but Padelli stomped it away. The Bianconeri started pushing to double their lead. McKennie made two quick combinations with Paulo Dybala, but the Argentinian’s curler went just wide.
Juventus failed to kill the match, so Udinese went looking for an equalizer. De Ligt cleared a dangerous header from his fellow Dutchman Zeegelaar and an attempt by Beto missed the target after he turned away from Rugani in the box.
The Bianconeri finally doubled their lead ten minutes before the end. McKennie was Juve’s most dangerous player in the air all game and put his head to a great cross by De Sciglio. It was McKennie’s second goal with his head in four days. Szczesny produced a great save on Success’ shot and saved Juve from a tense last few minutes.
Player ratings
Szczesny 6.5;
Cuadrado 6.5, Rugani 6.5, De Ligt 7, Pellegrini 5.5;
Arthur 6, Bentancur 6.5;
Kulusevski 5.5, Dybala 7, McKennie 7;
Kean 6
Substitutes: Locatelli 6.5, De Sciglio 7, Bernardeschi 6, Morata 6, Rabiot (-)