02 November 2024
The Juventus Men's First Team left a tricky away fixture at Udinese with three points secured, two goals scored, and a clean sheet. In all, there were plenty of positive signs as the Bianconeri enter the final stretch before the November break.
FIRST HALF
Juventus enjoyed a strong start in Udine, showing positivity from the off. Within the first few minutes, Khephren Thuram found himself in dangerous positions twice near Maduka Okoye’s goal, with his best chance coming in the fourth minute when he narrowly shot over the bar.
The Bianconeri dominated possession, but what stood out was their timing—they knew precisely when to pick up the pace and threaten. Around the 15th minute, Kenan Yildiz connected with a cross from Nicolo Savona but missed the target, setting the stage for the opening goal a few minutes later.
THURAM STRIKES!
Thuram, receiving a pass from Yildiz, set off and attempted a brilliant solo effort that hit the post and deflected off a luckless Okoye into the net, with the path of the ball set to take it away from goal had it not bounced off the goalkeeper.
Udinese’s response came soon after, creating their only real chance of the half at the 21st minute, with Michele Di Gregorio producing a fantastic save to deny Keinan Davies. The hosts kept pressing briefly, with Di Gregorio stepping up again against Martin Payero two minutes later, but Juventus quickly regained control. The visitors were rewarded with a second goal in the 36th minute.
Once again, the woodwork was involved - this time with Yildiz striking the post before Savona tapped in the rebound to make it 2-0, which closed the first half on a high note for Juventus.
A CONTROLLED SECOND HALF
Udinese came out with a more aggressive approach in the second half, aiming to get back into the game. They did manage to score early on, but the goal by Davis was ruled out due to a foul on Federico Gatti, who unintentionally obstructed Di Gregorio in the process.
Di Gregorio was pivotal twice more around the 75th minute. First, he made a brave punch to clear a cross aimed at Jaka Bijol and, moments later, showcased quick reflexes to deny a header from Davis. Udinese’s last real threat came in the 82nd minute, as Lorenzo Lucca headed the ball off the crossbar.
At the other end, Dusan Vlahovic created their main offensive chances in the second half. Early in the half, he tested Okoye with a free-kick, then linked up with Timothy Weah in the 68th minute after a play initiated by Yildiz, only to see his shot saved by the Udinese goalkeeper.
In the final moments, Teun Koopmeiners nearly capped off his return to the starting lineup with a goal of his own, but Okoye once again blocked his shot following a counterattack orchestrated by Samuel Mbangula.
The match ended with a convincing victory for Juventus, who can now look forward to their upcoming Champions League clash away at Lille with confidence.
