Dybala Inspires Juve To Victory In CR7's Absence
17 February, 2020
Serie A
Result: Juventus 2-0 Brescia
Date: 16 February 2020
Venue: Allianz Stadium
Juventus, who were without Cristiano Ronaldo, reclaimed top spot in Serie A with a 2-0 victory over Brescia on Sunday afternoon.
The in-form Ronaldo was presented with a rest by Maurizio Sarri as Dybala, Gonzalo Higuain and Juan Cuadrado prearranged in the attack.
The visitors, meanwhile, were forced right into a re-shuffle after just 11 minutes in the first half as goalkeeper Enrico Alfonso found a knock and was replaced by Lorenzo Andrenacci.
Juventus were the liveliest in the first half but had to wait until the 27th minute for a clear-cut opening as Cuadrado fired wide from close range, while Dybala scuffed an effort off target 5 minutes later.
Brescia have yet to taste success in Turin against Juventus and their task was made even tough on 37 minutes when Florian Ayé was sent off after picking up another yellow card.
The hosts went ahead one minute later when Dybala found the trunk of the net with a superb curling free-kick that sailed into the top corner, leaving Andrenacci without chance.
Unfortunately, it had been more of the same for the visitors in the next half as Juventus shot-stopper Wojciech Szczęsny was hardly tested between the sticks.
With Juve looking to add to their tally, Sarri withdrew Aaron Ramsey for Miralem Pjanic on 67 minutes, although the Croatian's afternoon ended six minutes later when he pulled a muscle and was replaced by Blaise Matuidi.
Matuidi's arrival paid dividends as the hosts were able to secure the next goal with a quarter-hour remaining through Cuadrado, who played a neat one-two with the Frenchman before firing home.
Juventus could actually see out the closing stages to join up a clean sheet along with the victory, which sees the medial side move three points clear of Inter Milan at the summit, although Antonio Conte's men face Lazio on Sunday night.
Source: www.soccerladuma.co.za