Weston McKennie disappoints in cameo for Juventus in drab scoreless draw

Just more than a week after making the surprising decision to sign a new contract and stay at Juventus for at least one season, McKennie struggled for his side Sunday. New manager Motta benched him for a high-profile Serie A fixture against Roma, and he didn't offer much when he came on - failing to impact the game in a 0-0 draw against Daniele De Rossi's winless side.

The disappointing showing comes after a forgettable day for the former Leeds midfielder. It was announced earlier on Sunday that McKennie would not be included the first USMNT squad since the firing of much-maligned head coach Gregg Berhalter. Expected new manager Mauricio Pochettino won't take the helm, with interim coach Mikey Varas set to oversee the roster for upcoming friendlies.

McKennie was repeatedly linked with a Juventus exit last summer. Fiorentino supposedly expressed interest, while there were various MLS links - including the tantalizing prospect of uniting with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.

It seems that the American now has two weeks of rest ahead. His USMNT compatriots will play two friendlies in the coming weeks, while McKennie will have a chance to reset. Juventus' next game is against Empoli on Sept. 15.