23 October 2017
KHEDIRA THE HERO
What a night it was for the German international. Khedira bagged his first senior hat-trick scoring in the 21st, 59th and 87th minutes to lead Juve to an important three points. Having returned to the squad for last week's match after a little over a month out due to injury, Khedira reminded everyone just how important he is to the squad.
Khedira's triple accentuated the fact that the German has really stepped up his scoring record since moving to the Bianconeri as seen by this table:
- Real Madrid | 161 matches - 9 goals
- VFB Stuttgart | 132 matches - 16 goals
- Juventus | 77 matches - 13 goals
While Massimiliano Allegri doesn't necessarily ask for goals primarly from the midfield workhorse, we see what a difference it makes when players can come up from midfield adding to the attack. Bravo, Sami!
RUGA RETURNS
Making his first appearance since September 20th, center back Daniele Rugani impressed on his return to the starting XI scoring a goal and an assist for Massimiliano Allegri's side. In addition to the help he provided in front of goal, Rugani completed the second-most passes on the squad with 30 and tied with Juan Cuadrado for most recoveries with seven.
THAT JUVE SPIRIT
When Udinese equalized after half-time, it would have been easy for the 10-man Bianconeri to pack it in and play for a point. They would have none of that.
That resounding, never-say-die, Bianconeri spirit was on full display Sunday night as Juventus just wouldn't be denied. It's been a trademark of the Black and White during the six-year Scudetto run and we can be extremely encouraged by what was seen on Sunday night. There's plenty of work to be done, but you can never doubt the fighting spirit.
GAINING GROUND
With Inter and Napoli drawing on Saturday night, a result that Allegri was certainly hoping for, the importance of earning all three points on Sunday night in Udine was only heightened.
When the final whistle blew on Juve's 6-2 win, it meant that the Bianconeri had gained two crucial points on the two teams above them in the table. Juve now sits a point behind Inter and three points behind Napoli heading into a big round of mid-week matches.
Inter will host upstarts Sampdoria on Tuesday night while Napoli travels to Genoa and Juve hosts SPAL.
NO REST AHEAD
After this big win, there's no rest for the Bianconeri who are right back to work with two massive weeks ahead before the international break.
Juve host SPAL on Wednesday night before traveling to the San Siro for a showdown with Milan on Saturday night. The following week, Juve travel to Lisbon for a crucial Champions League match with Sporting CP before rounding things out against Benevento at the Allianz Stadium.
These next two weeks could be huge for the Bianconeri to get back to the top of the table while solidifying their chance of Champions League advancement. Onwards and upwards, Bianconeri!
