VAR becomes Weston McKennie's worst enemy as USMNT star sees goal and assist called back as Juventus grind out win over Fiorentina to take big step towards Champions League qualification

Juventus got their goal in the 21st minute from a somewhat unlikely source: Federico Gatti. The defender's goal came from a set piece, with Filip Kostic's cross initially being headed by Gleison Bremer. Gatti was then there to pounce, giving Juve the lead at home.

They'd need that goal, too, as the hosts had several others ruled out due to offside calls. Two potential goals were called back after VAR reviews, including one Dusan Vlahovic finish assisted by McKennie. Vlahovic was also the victim of the second VAR review, with Bremer ruled offside in the buildup to the Serbian's finish.

McKennie, too, saw a goal of his own ruled out early due to a more obvious offside call, robbing him of what would have been his first goal of the season.

After getting their goal, though, Juventus were able to protect their lead, earning a big win after some frustrating results in recent weeks. It was their first league win since February 25, ending a four-match winless run that featured losses to Napoli and Lazio as well as draws with Genoa and Atalanta.

It was another somewhat underwhelming performance for Juve, who have had plenty under Massimiliano Allegri this season. Pressure has mounted on Allegri recently as results have dried up and form has dipped, so Juve will take any win, even a narrow 1-0 one such as this - which serves as a huge step towards Champions League qualification.

It doesn't matter too much in the title race, though. Allegri's side is too far from title-favorites Inter, who have a 17-point lead over third-place Juventus and an 11-point lead over second-place AC Milan with a game in hand on both. The Old Lady, though, will be glad to take the three points to put some space between themselves and those behind them, with fourth-place Bologna only four points back and fifth-place Roma just seven behind.

McKennie was unlucky not to get yet another assist, which would have been his 11th of the season in all competitions. The American set up a goal on Tuesday in Juventus' 2-0 win over Coppa Italia, too, with McKennie playing up his connection with Vlahovic after that win.

The U.S. men's national team star has been one of Juve's biggest bright spots in what has been an up-and-down season, with discussion now centering around his future with the club. McKennie has yet to sign a new deal with Juve, and the club has been advised by Momo Sissoko to “renew his contract immediately”.

VAR was his worst enemy on Saturday, though, as McKennie had several bright moments only to see them called back for offside. Still, it was a solid day, particularly defensively, as McKennie remains Juve's most steady and reliable player.

Weston McKennie (7/10):
Would have had a couple of goal contributions if not for offside calls. Overall, still solid in midfield as he helped Juve maintain their 1-0 advantage.

With three points earned on Sunday, Juve will now look ahead to a clash with a local rival. Up next for the Old Lady is a visit to Torino, who currently sit ninth in Serie A.