After a demoralizing loss against Fiorentina before the Christmas break, the Bianconeri returned to training on the 28th and were able to start 2021 with a 4-1 win against Udinese.
STARTING XI
4-4-2
#2- Szczesny
#13- Danilo
#19- Bonucci
#4- De Ligt
#12- Sandro
#22- Chiesa
#14- McKennie
#30- Bentancur
#8- Ramsey
#10- Dybala
#7- Ronaldo
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
The match started with chances from both sides, but at the 10th minute, it seemed that Udinese were going to take the lead. After a VAR check, however, the goal was canceled due to contact with the hand during the run leading up to the goal. As the first half went on, the Bianconeri gave some chances away but eventually began to improve their performance and dominate possession. At 31 minutes, Ronaldo takes Juve in the lead, with a classic CR7 finish. The first half ends 1-0.
The second half starts off with the Bianconeri looking much more confident and stable. Just a few minutes in, a very well-positioned pass upfield from Ronaldo finds Chiesa's quick feet and the latter scores in proper Juventus fashion. Less than three minutes later, Ramsey makes a run, keeps possession of the ball after the opponent keeper attempts to make a save, and finds the back of the net. However, like Udinese's first goal, it is disallowed due to an accidental handball. The score remains 2-0.
Udinese soon find a chance to score through a header, but it hits the crossbar. At 65 minutes, McKennie is subbed off for Arthur. In the 70th minute, a great interception and assist from Bentancur finds Ronaldo who goes 1 on 1 with the keeper. Without any doubt, CR7 finds a brace, and brings Juve to a 3-0 lead.
Kulusevksi, Bernardeschi, Frabotta, and Chiellini enter the pitch from the bench later in the match for Ramsey, Chiesa, Sandro, and Bonucci- respectively. This is the Bianconeri captain's first Serie A game in three months, after he suffered an injury early in the season.
The scoreline remained 3-0 until the very last minutes of the match, with one late goal each from both sides. In the 90th minute, Molina passes in front of the goal, Szczesny is unable to get a hold of it, and Zeegelaar scores. In the last minute of the match, Dybala again makes the goal difference 3 with a beautiful finish to score his second Serie A goal of the season. Juve win 4-1.
AFTER-MATCH THOUGHTS
PIRLO:
“It was not the best Juventus, we were coming from a bad defeat against Fiorentina. At the beginning we were a bit fearful, because they attacked the depth well with the two forwards, we left too much space, but we had a good attitude, playing patiently and then we grew. We must have confidence in our means and always be determined to get there. ”
BENTANCUR:
“We didn't start very well, then we showed the desire to win and we played a great second half. However, we conceded a goal that we shouldn't have conceded. We must have the same mentality for 90 minutes; we must never give up. Now let's rest and think about Milan.”
JUVENTINA'S THOUGHTS
This result, despite the awful performance last match against Fiorentina, was not a surprise. If there is one thing that Juve have an advantage for in comparison to other Italian teams is their mentality. It is easy to see why the Bianconeri were able to perform this time after some time to reflect on their loss and their desire to win. However, this match, especially in the first half, still had its flaws that a better opponent would have taken advantage of. It is important for Juve to play consistently well considering the tight and tough schedule that lays ahead, starting with an away match at San Siro. Morata is still not completely fit from a minor injury, so Dybala will have to continue his improved performance and increase his goal-scoring numbers. Ronaldo was great this match, not only scoring a brace but also providing the beautiful assist to Chiesa for Juve's second goal. Bentancur also played great this match, directly contributing to a goal. In all, the team looks prepared to face the other title contenders in the next few weeks. Of course, performance consistency is key- but it's something that Juve have been missing. Let's hope for the best, Forza Juve!