Udinese v Juventus Live Commentary & Result, 06/10/2018, Serie A

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
1	JUV Juventus	38	28	6	4	70	30	+40	90	L D L D D
2	NAP Napoli	38	24	7	7	74	36	+38	79	L W W W W
3	ATA Atalanta	38	20	9	9	77	46	+31	69	W D W W W
4	INT Internazionale	38	20	9	9	57	33	+24	69	W L W D D
5	MIL Milan	38	19	11	8	55	36	+19	68	W W W W L
6	ROM Roma	38	18	12	8	66	48	+18	66	W D W D W
7	TOR Torino	38	16	15	7	52	37	+15	63	W L W D W
8	LAZ Lazio	38	17	8	13	56	46	+10	59	L D W L W
9	SAM Sampdoria	38	15	8	15	60	51	+9	53	W D L D L
10	BOL Bologna	38	11	11	16	48	56	-8	44	W D W L W
11	SAS Sassuolo	38	9	16	13	53	60	-7	43	L D L D W
12	UDI Udinese	38	11	10	17	39	53	-14	43	W W W D L
13	SPA SPAL	38	11	9	18	44	56	-12	42	L L L W D
14	PAR Parma	38	10	11	17	41	61	-20	41	L W L D D
15	CAG Cagliari	38	10	11	17	36	54	-18	41	L D L L L
16	FIO Fiorentina	38	8	17	13	47	45	+2	41	D L L L L
17	GEN Genoa	38	8	14	16	39	57	-18	38	D D L D D
18	EMP Empoli	38	10	8	20	51	70	-19	38	L W W W L
19	FRO Frosinone	38	5	10	23	29	69	-40	25	D L L D L
20	CHI Chievo	38	2	14	22	25	75	-50	17	D D L L D

Thanks for joining our commentary this evening. Until next time, goodbye.

Juventus maintain their winning record to start the Serie A campaign, winning their eighth game on the bounce. Goals from Rodrigo Bentancur and Cristiano Ronaldo were enough this evening, although it could have been more if not for a fine performance from Simone Scuffet in the Udinese net. The home side had a couple of efforts from distance, with Antonin Barak clipping the post in the first half. However, Juve were able to absorb their threat with relative ease to see out a comfortable victory at the Dacia Arena.

90' + 5' FULL-TIME: UDINESE 0-2 JUVENTUS

M. Mandžukić

Yellow Card

90' + 4' A blemish on the Juve performance late on as Mandzukic goes into the book for a foul on Pussetto.

90' + 4' Udinese have barely laid a glove on the visitors in the second half. It has been all too comfortable for Allegri's men.

90' + 2' Juve have their foot on the ball and are going to be able to see this one out with a clean sheet.

90' There will be four minutes of added time.

A. Barzagli

M. Pjanić

89' Pjanic makes way for Barzagli.

87' BLOCK! Bernardeschi goes for the third goal as he races down the right flank before cutting back to shoot. Nuytinck watches him all the way and makes the block on the slide.

Felipe Vizeu

K. Lasagna

86' Vizeu replaces Lasagna for the home side.

85' WHAT A SAVE! Scuffet makes another great stop this time to deny Cancelo. The Portuguese lined up a blockbuster from 20 yards, crashing his effort towards the top corner. However, Scuffet got across to tip his effort on to the bar, while the rebound bounced to safety.

84' Udinese are becoming frustrated by Juve's control of the game, resulting in more than a few rash challenges.

K. Lasagna

Yellow Card

82' Lasagna goes into the book for a loose challenge on Bentancur.

81' Juventus are taking the pace out of the game at every opportunity. There's no pressure on them to force the issue.

Samir

Yellow Card

79' Samir brings down Bernardeschi and goes into the book.

78' Udinese win a corner down the right through Mandragora's run, but they are able to threaten from the set-piece as Troost-Ekong cannot make clean contact with his header.

76' Mandzukic attempts to guide an effort towards the top corner after latching on to Bernardeschi's floated pass. However, his strike sails over the angle and out for a goal-kick.

Ł. Teodorczyk

A. Barák

75' Teodorczyk replaces Barak for the home side.

74' SCUFFET AGAIN! The Udinese keeper denies Ronaldo. The Portuguese latches on to Bernardeschi's low ball from the right flank and swings a foot. His effort travels towards the net, but Scuffet is well placed to make the vital block.

73' SAVE! Pussetto lines up an effort from distance and the ball bounces awkwardly before Szczesny as he gets down to make the stop. However, the Pole is able to push it away from danger.

71' There's hope for Udinese as they remain in the game going into the final 19 or so minutes. Can they get a goal back?

69' SAVE! SCUFFET DENIES BERNARDESCHI! Juve almost notch their third goal of the evening as Bernardeschi and Ronaldo combine with neat footwork in the box. The Portuguese tees up his team-mate for a blast on his left foot, but the Udinese keeper gets down brilliantly to make the stop.

67' SAVE! Ronaldo twists and turns in the final third and manages to get a shot away, but his effort is straight at Scuffet. Juve need a spark from somewhere to put the game to bed.

F. Bernardeschi

P. Dybala

66' Bernardeschi replaces Dybala for the visitors.

64' Juve have yet to hit their stride in the second half, which will concern Allegri just a little bit. The game is not quite secure as Udinese have proven to have a threat in Barak from distance.

I. Pussetto

V. Behrami

62' Pussetto replaces Behrami for the home side.

61' WIDE! Barak collects 25 yards from goal and shifts the ball on to his left foot to have a strike, only to curl his effort narrowly wide of the target.

59' BLOCK! Dybala latches on to a loose ball in the box following the corner. The Argentine goes for the blast, only to smash his effort into a wall of black and white shirts.

58' Mandragora has to act at the back post to head Alex Sandro's delivery away from Mandzukic at the back post, conceding a corner in the process.

57' Dybala gets pulled back by Fofana on the charge, resulting in a free-kick for the visitors inside the Udinese half.

55' WIDE! Dybala latches on to Pjanic's cross into the box from the left flank. He swings a boot at the ball, only to fire wide of the target.

54' Troost-Ekong collides with Chiellini in the air and it leaves the veteran defender on the deck in a heap.

52' De Paul tries to slide a throughball in behind for Lasagna, but Bonucci comes across to make the intervention, reading the danger with ease.

R. De Paul

Yellow Card

50' De Paul goes into the book for a loose challenge on Dybala.

50' OFF THE LINE! LASAGNA HAS TO SCORE!! De Paul lifts the free-kick into the box and the ball is guided into the path of Lasagna at the back post. He has the goal gaping, but he fails to make clean contact with his strike, allowing Can to clear the ball off the line.

49' De Paul wins a free-kick for his team on the left flank after being brought down by Cancelo.

48' It has been a slow start to the second half as both teams attempt to find their rhythm.

46' We're back underway at the Dacia Arena.

E. Can

B. Matuidi

46' Can replaces Matuidi at the break.

Udinese almost got a goal back through Antonin Barak, who struck the post before the interval. However, it's looking like a long road back for the home side as they have been on the back foot for the majority of the contest.

Juventus are on course to maintain their 100% record in Serie A this season as goals from Rodrigo Bentancur and Cristiano Ronaldo have handed them a 2-0 lead over Udinese at the break. The visitors had to be patient for their breakthrough, but once it came they quickly notched a second to take command of the game.

45' + 1' HALF-TIME: UDINESE 0-2 JUVENTUS

45' There will be one minute of added time.

43' OFF THE POST! Udinese almost get a goal back out of nothing. Barak strikes a loose ball with his left foot from the edge of the box. His effort travels across Szczesny towards the bottom corner, only to strike the foot of the post and trickle wide.

42' SAVE! Pjanic fires a low ball into the box from a corner and Mandzukic merely sticks out a heel to connect with the delivery. It travels towards goal, but Scuffet is alert to make the stop.

41' it's important that Udinese keep themselves in the game here. They cannot afford to concede a third goal before the break.

39' Just like that Juventus have command of the game. Udinese battled in the opening 33 minutes of the contest, but switched off for one moment and have been duly punished by the reigning champions, proving once again why they're so dominant.

M. Mandžukić

Assist

37' Mandzukic does well to fend off a challenge in the box to tee up Ronaldo to score.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Goal

37' GOALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!! RONALDO FINDS THE NET!!! JUVENTUS 2-0!!! The Portuguese hammers a left-footed strike into the back of the net to put Juve in command. Mandzukic battled in the box to play the ball back to his team-mate. Ronaldo charged on to the offload, crashing his effort into the bottom corner beyond the reach of Scuffet.

36' WHAT A SAVE! Scuffet makes a huge stop to keep his side in the game. Dybala made a great run down the right flank to tee up Mandzukic in the middle. The striker took one touch before firing at goal from close range, but the Udinese keeper made a great reaction save to turn the ball past the post.

35' Juventus have the lead and are now able to take complete control of proceedings.

João Cancelo

Assist

33' Cancelo makes a marauding run down the right flank and lifts a pinpoint ball for Bentancur to head home.

R. Bentancur

Goal

33' GOALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!! BENTANCUR PUTS JUVE AHEAD!!! 1-0!!! Bentancur heads home from close range to put the league leaders in front. It's a classic counterattack from the visitors as they break from the Udinese corner. Cancelo is played into space down the right flank and he floats the ball into the middle. Bentancur attacks the delivery and heads home from six yards. A fine headed finish from the midfielder.

33' De Paul whips the ball into the box from the corner, but it's straight down the throat of Szczesny.

32' Samir makes a charge forward down the left inside channel and he goes for the blast after latching on to Lasagna's offload. However, Bonucci is on hand to divert his effort behind for a corner.

31' Troost-Ekong and Mandzukic collide once again in the final third. It's going to be battle all evening for the Udinese defender.

29' It's attack versus defence in the contest. Juve are doing all of the pressing and the home side are desperately keeping them at bay. They've been solid thus far though.

27' Fofana has to stretch to make an important closing tackle on Pjanic on the edge of the box after a loose clearance from Barak put the hosts in trouble.

25' Pjanic goes on the charge into the right inside channel and he tries to find space to shoot, but he gets crowded out before he can pull the trigger. The visitors still have a corner.

24' Alex Sandro whips a cross into the box and Troost-Ekong grapples with Mandzukic in the box and is able to head away from the danger zone.

22' Pjanic sends the ball into the box and Ronaldo wins the intial header. Matuidi attempts to latch on to flick-on, but Fofana is alert to the danger to clear with a diving header from the six-yard area.

20' The referee draws the ire of the home fans and the Udinese players as Behrami is adjudged to have pulled back Ronaldo on the right flank. Juve have a free-kick in a dangerous position.

19' CLOSE! Nuytinck edges the ball away from Ronaldo in the final third, but the visitors recycle possession. Pjanic goes for the strike from 25 yards and his effort soars towards the top corner, only to hit the stanchion to the right of the net.

17' Ronaldo attempts his luck from distance as he collects an offload in the final third, only to send his drive over the bar.

16' Juve are not moving the ball with pace in the final third. They're still trying to establish their rhythm going forward.

14' Juventus win a free-kick down the right flank as Pjanic is brought down by Samir. Chiellini and Bonucci move forward from the back.

12' Nuytinck has been a busy man in the early stages of the game. He rises with Ronaldo to head clear from Cancelo's delivery towards the near post.

11' Juventus are dominating possession, with the home side seemingly comfortable in sitting deep in their own half.

9' Matuidi almost gets in ahead of Nuytinck at the near post to latch on to Cancelo's cross, but the defender does enough again before Scuffet gathers.

8' Ronaldo collects on the right flank and tries to force a cross into the box, only to see Nuytinck head the ball away from danger. The Udinese defence have been touch tight in the early stages.

6' OVER! Ronaldo turns in the final third and goes for the strike. His effort deflects off Behrami and sails over the bar for a Juventus corner.

4' Cancelo is in the action once again, this time in the defensive half of the field. He has to clear behind for a corner under pressure from De Paul.

3' Cancelo has a dart down the right flank and he fires a low ball into the box, but Nuytinck is able to clear the danger.

1' We're underway at the Dacia Arena.

The last time Udinese beat Juventus in a home game in Serie A was back in April 2010 (3-0 with goals scored by Sanchez, Pepe and Di Natale): since then Juventus have won five and drawn three.

Juventus have recorded more victories over Udinese in Serie A than any other team (59): 12 wins and 17 draws complete the previous encounters.

Ronaldo returns to the field for Juve this evening. The Portuguese missed the 3-0 win over Young Boys, but is back to lead the line. He is one of four changes from the triumph during the week as Chiellini, Bentancur and Cancelo also come into the fold.

Udinese have made one change from their defeat at the hands of Bologna last time out. Barak comes into the side to replace Pussetto on the right flank of the midfield.

Juventus subs: Carlo Pinsoglio, Mattia Perin, Matteo De Sciglio, Medhi Benatia, Andrea Barzagli, Juan Cuadrado, Moise Kean, Emre Can, Federico Bernardeschi

JUVENTUS (4-3-3): Wojciech Szczesny; Joao Cancelo, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Rodrigo Bentancur, Miralem Pjanic, Blaise Matuidi; Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Udinese subs: Juan Musso, Molla Wague, Nicholas Opoku, Giuseppe Pezzella, Felipe Vizeu, Darwin Machis, Hidde ter Avest, Simone Pontisso, Ignacio Pussetto, Matteo D'Alessandro, Nicolas, Lukasz Teodorczyk.

UDINESE (4-1-4-1): Simone Scuffet; Jens Stryger-Larsen, William Troost-Ekong, Bram Nuytinck, Samir; Valon Behrami; Seko Fofana, Rolando Mandragora, Antonin Barak, Rodrigo de Paul; Kevin Lasagna.

Let's take a look at the two teams today, starting with the home side.

Massimiliano Allegri's men have been imperious to start their Serie A campaign, winning all of their seven matches to open the term. Their victory over Napoli last time out proved their dominance in Italy as a brace from Mario Mandzukic and an effort from Leonardo Bonucci guided them to a comeback win. A Paulo Dybala hat-trick continued their form in midweek, seeing off Young Boys with ease in the Champions League. I Bianconeri will be eyeing another three points tonight.

Udinese's decent start to the term has come to a shuddering halt over the last two weeks. The club won two of their opening five matches, suffering only one defeat at the hands of Fiorentina on the road. However, back-to-back losses against Lazio and Bologna have knocked them down the table and they're staring down the prospect of a third-straight defeat playing the reigning champions this evening.

Good evening and welcome to the live commentary of the Serie A clash between Udinese and Juventus at the Dacia Arena.

Udinese v Juventus Live Commentary, 06/10/2018

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