Paulo Dybala‘s double ensured there was no hangover from Juventus‘ thrilling midweek win over Spurs in the Champions League, as the reigning Serie A champions brushed aside Udinese 2-0 at home.
The Argentine scored a wonderful free-kick and added a second after half-time to put Juve atop the table ahead of Napoli’s trip to Inter Milan later on Sunday.
Here’s a look at how Juve’s players performed in the win.
STARTING XI
Wojciech Szczesny 6 – Standing in for the rested Gianluigi Buffon, Szczesny had little to do but showed enough to keep up the impression that he’s a capable back-up for the legendary Italian.
Mattia de Sciglio 6 – A largely solid performance from the right-back, but a few mistakes over the 90 minutes blotted his display.
Daniele Rugani 7 – The young defender’s education continued on Sunday, as he slotted in alongside captain Chiellini to man Juve’s back-line. It was another impressive display from the 23-year-old.
Giorgio Chiellini 8 – Another robust display from the centre-back, commanding his area and marshalling his defence with his usual ferocity. Ensured Juventus did not slip in this potentially tricky fixture.
Kwadwo Asamoah 8 – Even with the quality of first-choice left-back Alex Sandro, it’s not hard to see why the Asamoah gets so many opportunities. Another excellent display from the Ghanaian.
Sami Khedira 6 – Like a metronome in midfield, Khedira kept play ticking over for Juventus. The German did a solid job of protecting his defence as well, getting back to help the rearguard on more than one occasion.
Claudio Marchisio 7 – A typically classy performance from the Italian, with intelligent passing and controlled possession to help Juventus dominate midfield.
Stefano Sturaro 7 – Full of running throughout as he displayed his trademark engine in midfield. Wasted a good chance late on, but that was the only blemish on his display on Sunday.
Douglas Costa 8 – A marauding display from the winger, whose vision and direct running tormented the Udinese defence.
Gonzalo Higuain 5 – A mixed day for Higuain, who passed up a glorious opportunity to get on the score sheet when he missed a penalty. His assist for Dybala’s second goal was sublime, however.
Paulo Dybala 9 – This is the sort of display that, had it come last season, it would have immediately been followed by comparisons to Lionel Messi. A superb free-kick and a composed finish brought him a well-earned brace.
SUBSTITUTES
Blaise Matuidi 6 – Came close to adding a third goal, just failing to get on the end of a cross late on, after coming on for Marchisio.
Mario Mandzukic 7 – A neat cameo from the Croatian, who nearly had an assist as he set up Dybala for what should have been the Argentinian’s hat-trick goal.
Rodridgo Bentancur 6 – Had little time to make an impact after coming on as a late substitute.
