Juventus survive without Weston McKennie! USMNT star misses out due to suspension as Tim Weah comes on as substitute in easy win over Sassuolo

It didn't take too long for the hosts to make their mark on the match as Dusan Vlahovic scored the first of his two goals in the 15th minute. It was a fantastic finish from the Serbian, who curled home from distance to give Juve the early lead.

Vlahovic made it 2-0 with an even better effort in the 37th minute. This time around, his goal came from a set piece, with the striker firing a spectacular free kick to double Juventus' lead and give his side a bit of breathing room heading into the second half.

Vlahovic's hat-trick never came, but it wasn't a problem for Juve, who cruised in the second half to seal an important win. Federico Chiesa scored in the game's final moments to totally solidify the result, making his mark after starting the match on the bench.

With the win, Juventus continue to keep the pressure on Inter right near the top of Serie A. Through 20 games, Inter lead the league on 51 points but, with the win on Tuesday, Juventus remain just two points back with 49. Juve have also built a nice lead on Milan, who sit in third with 42 points, while Fiorentina sit fourth all the way back on 34.

The Juve win came without McKennie, who missed out due to yellow card accumulation having now collected five cautions this season. McKennie has been ever present for Juve this season and has been one of the club's best players as they've climbed up the Serie A table.

With McKennie out, Adrien Rabiot, Manuel Locatelli and Fabio Miretti started in midfield, with Miretti picking up an assist on Vlahovic's first goal.

Initially named to the bench, Weah came on in the 57th minute and very nearly got a goal, but the American squandered a fairly clear-cut chance, preventing Juve from making it 3-0.

Weston McKennie (N/A):

Suspended for this one, Juve will look forward to having him back next time out.

Tim Weah (6/10):

Came on and provided a bit of life, but missed a good chance at a goal. Still, you give him some credit for getting in that position to begin with.

Up next for Juventus is a match on Saturday, when they visit 13th-place Lecce. After that comes a return to Turin, where they'll play host to 19th-place Empoli in what will surely feel like a must-win match for a team with title hopes.