Against the backdrop of last season’s points deduction and European expulsion for 2023/24, Juventus showed no signs of worry as the Turin side made the perfect start with a 3-0 opening match win at Udinese. While Juventus’ performance was complete, Udinese rarely threatened and struggled throughout the contest as the defeat extended Le Zebrette’s Serie A losing streak to five consecutive matches.
The Old Lady’s front two of Federico Chiesa and Dušan Vlahović put in standout performances, while Andrea Cambiaso and Adrien Rabiot also starred to give Max Allegri’s side a fourth successive win against Udinese.
A Blistering Juventus Start
Within 20 minutes, Juventus were two goals to the good after a positive, front foot approach that saw the penetrating attack of Chiesa and Vlahović put Udinese to the sword.
Chiesa struck after just two minutes in when Vlahović played in his strike partner on the edge of the area and he fired low into the bottom corner. To cap an emphatic start to the match, Vlahović cooly converted a penalty and sent Marco Silvestri the wrong way after Udinese midfielder Sandi Lovric handled in the area.
Despite being on the back foot for the opening stages of the first half Udinese showed glimpses of forcing a comeback. Florian Thauvin had the best opportunity and nearly struck in back-to-back matches with a direct run and shot that Wojciech Szczęsny palmed to safety.
But, the chance couldn’t swing momentum in Le Zebrette’s favor and Juventus scored three goals in a Serie A match for the first time since March. The third came in first-half injury time after Andrea Cambiaso’s teasing cross drew out Udinese goalkeeper Silvestri and allowed Adrien Rabiot to race in and header into an empty net.
Half Chances for Udinese
Udinese came out after the break with more intent and showed plenty of determination to try and claw themselves back into the contest. Lovric emerged as the key player for the hosts as his strike distance nearly dipped into the bottom corner before the midfielder attempted another long-range effort that Szczęsny held.
The hosts continued to generate chances and Lazar Samardžić was next to strike from outside the area and his fierce effort skimmed the post. Mid-way through the half, Lovric was the main threat again when he glanced Samardžić’s whipped cross towards the bottom corner but the header bounced just wide.
Strong Juventus Finish
With a secure three goal advantage, Juventus were content with sitting back and taking the pace out of the game with slower build up play. However, the visitors went through the gears one more time late on Samuel Iling-Junior raced the byline, cut back to Vlahović, who headed past Silvestri, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Despite the comfortable lead, the Old Lady were desperate to start the 2023/24 Serie A campaign with a clean sheet. A late Szczęsny double save prevented two Nehuén Pérez shots from close range and helped the visitors to start the new season how they finished last – with a win to nil at Udinese.