Juventus 3-0 Sassuolo: Fine Dusan Vlahovic double leaves Massimiliano Allegri's side two points off top spot in Serie A
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Updated 17/01/2024 at 00:00 GMT
Dusan Vlahovic bagged a stunning brace and Federico Chiesa scored late on as Juventus eased to a 3-0 win over Sassuolo in Serie A. The Serbia international netted both his goals before half-time, as Massimiliano Allegri’s side extended their unbeaten run to 17 games. It leaves them in second place in the table, just two points behind leaders Inter Milan.
Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Serie A TIM match between Juventus and US Sassuolo at Allianz Stadium on January 16, 2024 in Turin, Italy.
Image credit: Getty Images
Dusan Vlahovic grabbed a stunning brace as Juventus moved to within two points of the Serie A summit with a 3-0 victory at home to Sassuolo.
The Bianconeri took the lead on 15 minutes when Vlahovic curled a superb 25-yard shot into the top corner.
Sassuolo restricted the home team to very few chances in a low-key first-half, but found themselves two down at the interval when Vlahovic curled a brilliant free kick in off the crossbar.
Juventus played the second period in second gear and Domenico Berardi went close for the visitors before substitute Federico Chiesa made sure of the points for the hosts in the final minute.
The result sees second-placed Juventus move two points behind Serie leaders Inter Milan. Sassuolo stay 14th but Alessio Dionisi’s side are just two points above the drop zone.
Next up, Juve visit Lecce on Sunday while Sassuolo don’t play again until they visit Monza on January 28.
Talking Point – It’s narrowing towards a two-horse race despite Allegri downplaying his team’s title hopes
Massimiliano Allegri has been keen to stress that Juve’s target remains UEFA Champions League qualification and that the squad is not equipped to contend with Inter for the Scudetto.
Popular opinion is that’s he’s right, but the fact remains that The Old Lady are now 17 matches unbeaten across all competitions and hot on the heels of the Nerazzurri at the top of the table.
Inter remain the favourites, with AC Milan still dark horses, and that will suit Juventus just fine. There is a feeling The Bianconeri are an efficient results machine lacking the star quality of Inter, but that will suit Allegri and Co just fine. Behind-closed-doors they will be plotting a serious push for a first title since 2020 and the clash between the two sides at Inter on February is looking increasingly significant.
Player of the Match - Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)
The forward took his Serie A tally to nine goals with a fine double from distance. The Serb was the difference in a match where Sassuolo were well organised and looked to restrict the hosts throughout.
Player Ratings
JUVENTUS: Szczesny 8, Danilo 8, Bremer 8, Rugani 7, Cambiaso 7, Rabiot 7, Locatelli 8, Miretti 7, Kostic 7, Yildiz 7, Vlahovic 9. Subs: Weah 6, Chiesa 7, Iling n/a, Milik n/a, Alex Sandro n/a.
SASSUOLO: Consigli 6, Viti 6, Erlic 6, Ferrari 7, Pedersen 7, Berardi 8, Boloca 6, Thorstvedt 6, Henrique 7, Laurienté 8, Pinamonti 6. Subs: Ruan 6, Castillejo 6, Volpato 6, Missori 6, Mulattieri n/a.
Match Highlights
15’ – GOAL! – Juventus 1-0 Sassuolo: (Vlahovic). Dusan Vlahovic is given too much space 25 yards from goal and the away side pay the price as the Serb curls a lovely finish into the top corner.
37’ – GOAL! – Juventus 2-0 Sassuolo: (Vlahovic). Vlahovic whips a delightful free kick over the wall and in off the crossbar.
52’ – SASSUOLO CHANCE! Berardi collects Laurienté's pass from the left but sees his low pile-driver flash wide of Szczesny's left-hand post.
64’ – SASSUOLO CHANCE! Berardi almost reduces the deficit with a fantastic run and shot that takes a deflection, but Szczesny produces an excellent stop to deny him.
89’ – GOAL! – Juventus 3-0 Sassuolo: (Chiesa). That seals the points as Chiesa squeezes a shot beyond the keeper after Sassuolo were caught out by the high press.
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