Following their midweek heartbreak in the Italian Super Cup, Juventus had to recharge the batteries as quickly as possible before hosting Udinese on Saturday night. Luckily for the Bianconeri, they were able to rely on an in-form Paulo Dybala who ran the show for the home side. The Argentine kept his cool in front of goal to break the deadlock in the first half, before creating the second goal with a smart play, allowing the Old Lady to seal the win with two unanswered strikes. So here are our playing ratings for the clash of black and white sides between Juventus and Udinese.
Juventus XI
Wojciech Szczesny – 6.5
Following his horror show in the reverse fixture, the Pole had a score to settle against the Friulians. He managed to make some routine saves to deny Neto, before putting a big palm to stop a thunderous shot from Success. A clean sheet that offers redemption.
Juan Cuadrado – 6.5
The Colombian was involved in both phases of the game. He had the better of Udogie when going forward, and occasionally helped the center backs when dealing with Beto.
Daniele Rugani – 6
The former Empoli man had some nervy moments in his duels against Beto who caused him some trouble at times, but still a decent performance overall.
Matthijs de Ligt – 7
The former Ajax captain was once again a rock at the back. Made some crucial interceptions and clearances. Had the better of Beto on the majority of occasions.
Luca Pellegrini – 5
The young left-back had a night to forget as it appears that he’s still far from reaching his best physical shape following his latest injury. Frustrated Max Allegri with his poor passing as he repeatedly gave away the ball and found himself in all sort of trouble whenever Soppy attacked his flank.
Rodrigo Bentnacur – 6.5
An encouraging performance from the former Boca Juniors who’s not enjoying his finest campaign. Proved to be a beast in the middle of the park, gaining back the ball for Juventus with ease and launching several counter attacks in the process.
Arthur Melo – 6
It was a decent performance from the Arsenal-bound star. Had some nervy moments when on the ball, but his distribution was mostly accurate. Instigated the opening goal with a through ball. However, he seemed to have sustained a knock before halftime, and was nowhere to be seen after the break.
Weston McKennie – 7
The ever-improving Texan put on another impressive display. While his technical touch might let him down on some occasions, his tireless runs insure that he’ll always get the chance to redeem himself. And that exactly what happened when he directed De Sciglio’s inch-perfect cross with a fine header to secure the win for Juventus with a second goal.
Paulo Dybala – 7.5
From start to finish, it was pretty obvious that the Argentine is operating on another level from the rest of field, at least from a technical aspect. Found the back of the net with a cool and clinical finish, and his marvelous cross reached De Sciglio who in turn provided the assist for McKennie. Easily the man of the match.
Dejan Kulusevski – 5.5
It wasn’t a terrible performance from the Swede, but it only lasted for 45 minutes and lacked a signature moment. Combined well with Dybala at times, but produced very little.
Moise Kean – 6
The Italian fought hard against the Udinese defenders, but failed to direct a header towards goal. It would have been another forgettable performance for young striker if it wasn’t for his assist on Dybala’s goal.
Juventus Substitutes
Manuel Locatelli – 6
A solid if unspectacular performance from the former Sassuolo man. Lent a helping hand for the Juventus defenders when the visitors where threatening to score.
Federico Bernardeschi – 6
The Euro 2020 winner proved to be an improvement on Kuluseveski, as he was much more involved in the action. Threated Padelli with a strike and made some dazzling dribbles, but still lacked the final touch.
Mattia De Sciglio – 7
Lit up the left flank after coming in for the disappointing Pellegrini. Held his ground at the back, and delivered a beauty of a cross for McKennie’s goal.
Alvaro Morata – 5.5
Threatened with some runs, but didn’t add much on Kean.
Adrien Rabiot – N/A
300 – Massimiliano #Allegri reached tonight his 300th game as #Juventus manager and he won his 208th match: among the three coaches who have reached this milestone for Juventus (Trapattoni and Lippi the others), he is the one with the highest percentage of wins (69%). DNA. pic.twitter.com/vzxq3uGxuX
— OptaPaolo ? (@OptaPaolo) January 15, 2022
Udinese XI
Daniele Padelli – 5.5
The former Inter man had very little to do but picking up the ball from his net on two occasions.
Nahuen Perez – 6
The Atletico Madrid loanee is clearly a potential defensive star, as he made some great interventions. But still needs to sharpen his game.
Bram Nuytinck – 6
The captain had the better of Kean and Morata for the majority of the match, but the action eclipsed him on the first goal.
Marvin Zeegelar – 6
The left-back had to slot in as a third center back, and he did not embarrass himself. Conceded a yellow card for his rough challenges.
Brandon Soppy – 6.5
The young Frenchman was arguably Udinese’s main source of threat, giving Juventus several scares with his runs on the right side. Had a claim for a penalty kick in the first half, but the referee waved play on.
Tolgay Arslan – 5.5
The German added very little to the Zebrette’s midfield and found some difficulties in tracking McKennie’s runs.
Walace – 6
The Brazilian tried to keep Dybala in check, but it was always going to be a tough mission with the Argentine roaming all over the place.
Jean-Victor Makengo – 6
The young midfielder was occasionally dangerous on the ball and sometimes threatened with his runs towards the Juventus box, but often lacked the final product.
Iyenoma Udogie – 5
The 19-year-old wingback found difficulties against Cuadrado and caused problems for his team by giving away the ball in dangerous areas.
Gerard Deulofeu – 6
The former Milan man is obviously the most technically-gifted player for his side (he’s Udinese’s answer for Dybala), but it was always going to be a complicated mission when playing for a team that was struggling to maintain ball possession.
Beto – 6
The Brazilian bomber tested Szczesny with some shots whenever he managed to escape from the Juventus defenders, but was never given a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Udinese Substitutes
Ignacio Pussetto – 5.5
The Argentine replaced Deulofeu in the second half but was less impactful than the Spaniard.
Mato Jajalo – N/A
Isaac Success – N/A
Lazar Samardzic – N/A