Juventus emerged victorious in a hard-fought match against Udinese, benefiting from some lucky bounces off the goalposts. The Bianconeri managed to score twice with the help of the upright, while Udinese’s best chance was denied by the crossbar.
Despite missing key players like Gleison Bremer, Nico Gonzalez, Douglas Luiz, and Arek Milik, Juventus welcomed back Teun Koopmeiners and Kenan Yildiz to the starting lineup. Udinese, coming off a disappointing 3-2 loss to Venezia midweek, were without suspended Isaak Touré and several injured players, but saw the return of Florian Thauvin for his first start since late September.
The opening goal came in unusual fashion when Khephren Thuram’s shot deflected off the inside of the far post and ricocheted in off Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye’s back, officially recorded as an own goal. Juventus doubled their lead in a similar manner, with Kenan Yildiz’s effort hitting the same spot on the upright before Nicolò Savona tucked in the rebound.
Udinese thought they had pulled one back early in the second half when Keinan Davis tapped in after a collision between Federico Gatti and Juventus keeper Michele Di Gregorio. However, the referee disallowed the goal for a foul by Davis in the build-up.
The home side came closest to scoring when Lorenzo Lucca’s header struck the crossbar from a Hassane Kamara cross during a period of sustained pressure. Juventus had a chance to extend their lead in the closing stages, but Koopmeiners squandered a one-on-one opportunity against Okoye.
This fortunate win helps Juventus maintain their position in the top half of the Serie A table, while Udinese will feel unlucky not to have taken something from a game where the woodwork played such a crucial role.
Goals: Okoye og 19 (J), Savona 37 (J)
Udinese (3-5-2): Okoye; Giannetti, Bijol, Kabasele (dal 46′ Ebosse); Ehizibue (’87’ Modesto), Lovric (46′ Zarraga), Karlstrom, Payero, Zemura (67′ Kamara); Thauvin ( 68′ Lucca), Davis.
Juventus(4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Savona (dall’80’ Cabal), Gatti, Kalulu, Cambiaso (’81’ Danilo); Locatelli, Thuram (70′ McKennie); Weah (’87’ Mbangula), Koopmeiners, Yildiz; Vlahovic ( 70′ Conceicao).
