Zenit 0-1 Juventus: 3 takeaways as Kulusevski strikes late for the Bianconeri

It’s time for Kulusevski to kick on

It was substitute Dejan Kulusevski who ensured Allegri’s conservatism didn’t cost the Bianconeri. Brought on before the hour mark to add some subtlety to Juve’s play in the final third, the Swede’s influence was limited before his first Champions League goal.

The sequence started with a trademark Bonucci diagonal out to the left to Trent, sorry, Mattia De Sciglio, who found himself in acres of space thanks to Federico Chiesa’s central positioning attracting the attention of the Zenit wing-back.

With the freedom of St. Petersburg to deliver, De Sciglio’s cross was similar to the one he produced for the winner against AS Roma. Only this time, the ball never reached the back post. There on the penalty spot to meet the cross was Kulusevski, who flicked home with aplomb.

It was a great moment for the youngster amid a frustrating start to life in Turin. He must now ensure that the goal isn’t merely a false dawn. We’ve seen Kulusevski conjure up several sequences of brilliance since joining the club, but he’s failed to find any rhythm or consistency in Bianconeri colours.

It’s been a slow start to the 2021/22 campaign for the dynamic Swede, but he certainly boasts the talent to ignite at Juventus and blossom into a star. Despite his winner, it’s unlikely that he’ll start in the Derby d’Italia with Paulo Dybala potentially returning to the fold, but there will be plenty of chances to kick on during Juve’s hectic schedule before the November international break.