Juventus: 3 takeaways from the Bianconeri’s comfortable 2-0 win over Udinese

ALLIANZ STADIUM, TURIN, ITALY - 2022/01/15: Weston McKennie (C) of Juventus FC celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal during the Serie A football match between Juventus FC and Udinese Calcio. Juventus FC won 2-0 over Udinese Calcio. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
ALLIANZ STADIUM, TURIN, ITALY - 2022/01/15: Weston McKennie (C) of Juventus FC celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal during the Serie A football match between Juventus FC and Udinese Calcio. Juventus FC won 2-0 over Udinese Calcio. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images) /
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De Sciglio comes up trumps again

Mattia De Sciglio assisted Weston McKennie to secure all three points for Juventus. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
Mattia De Sciglio assisted Weston McKennie to secure all three points for Juventus. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images) /

McKennie’s header, which was a carbon copy of his finish in the Supercoppa, was made possible by the forward foray and delivery of Mattia De Sciglio.

Expectations were low of De Sciglio heading into the season and he rarely featured in the opening weeks of the campaign. But, assists in back-to-back games against AS Roma and Zenit started to morph our perceptions of the versatile and steady full-back to the point where we were genuinely frustrated by his month-long injury lay-off in November.

The Italian returned before the winter break and he’s now started Juve’s last two games following his unlikely heroics in the capital two Sundays ago. His strike that sealed an improbable comeback against the Giallorossi was his first since 2017!

On Saturday, De Sciglio replaced the streaky Luca Pellegrini and provided a more reliable source of width down Juve’s left than the natural left-footer. He constantly ventured forward and this willingness to contribute in the attacking third paid off when Paulo Dybala picked him out in acres of space just inside the Udinese box. His subsequent delivery was pinpoint for the afro-donning McKennie, who headed home with aplomb.

That sequence was one of three shot-creating actions De Sciglio registered during his 34 minutes of action.

He’s unironically becoming a more than handy player for Allegri. The Italian’s proved in his appearances this season that he’s measured in defence, particularly in one-vs-on situations, and versatile, while his ability to deliver crosses off both feet is an invaluable asset going forward.