Socrates

Juventus 2 - Udinese 0: Initial reaction and random observations Thankfully, Juventus’ first foray into the Coppa Italia this season didn’t go anywhere close to how their last fixture in the competition went about nine months earlier. ............ That’s because Juventus beat Udinese 2-0 on Tuesday night to advance to the Coppa Italia quarterfinals where either Atalanta or Genoa await in the quarterfinals. It was the kind of win that we hadn’t seen much of this season — a Juventus that was in control and barely let the opposition do much of anything going forward. As much as a couple of Udinese’s best chances were ruled out for offside (thanks to VAR or without VAR), you could say the same thing about a pair of goals that Juventus thought they had scored in the game. Ultimately, a Udinese own goal and a Manuel Locatelli goal from the penalty spot — the third of that kind against Udinese this season — proved to the different as Juve clinched the win in an incredibly comfortable kind of way. ............ Juventus were the favorites to win. Juventus ended up getting the win and did so with some room to spare regardless of how many goals were chalked off by VAR being completely frustrating like only that whole system can promise to be. Then again, maybe we shouldn’t have been so stressed no matter how Juve’s season has gone to date. Why? Because sometimes there’s facts that speak for themselves … A perfect 18 for 18 dating back nearly two decades? My goodness, that’s pretty good! Considering the date that this goes back to, it’s not like there were some vintage Juventus squads in there, either. You know, kinda like this Juventus team. But this is what we all expect Juventus to do at this stage of the Coppa Italia. The matchups are set up for the big clubs to advance even with the expected squad rotation that comes with it. And even as Luciano Spalletti said that there would be a good amount of squad rotation against Udinese — and he delivered on that for the most part — but also made it known just how much Juve needed to win this one as well. ............ But on this night, Juventus made things look relatively smooth just as they did when Udinese visited the Allianz about five weeks ago. This time it was Spalletti on the sidelines and not Massimo Brambilla, but the showing that Juve put out there even with the lineup changes were sound and they were in control of things from the beginning onward. With all the possession they had — especially early — you would have liked there to be more scoring chances created, but Udinese weren’t given much of a chance to do anything at all. ............ And once Juve got the opening goal on what looked like Jonathan David’s second goal in a week before it was officially ruled on own goal, it felt like only one of those classic Bianconeri screwups would be the thing that prevents them from moving on to the Coppa Italia quarterfinals. Udinese never got that break, thanks in part to the offside working in Juve’s favor. No matter what, though, we’re still talking about Juve being in the Coppa Italia and moving on to the quarterfinals. Now just don’t mention what happened in the quarterfinals last season and we’ll be good. RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS As much as Spalletti sounded happy with this performance, he said that Juve need to be more ruthless. Seeing off a very winnable game earlier and being ruthless? That sounds wonderful! Where do I sign up? At least be the second signature on that list after Spalletti, of course. Personally, I feel like this trend of a Juventus player getting hurt every game needs to end. First Dusan Vlahovic, now Federico Gatti. Who’s next? I am scared to find out! Going to Naples this weekend with two healthy center backs seems like a situation that is very much far from ideal. A memo to Gleison Bremer and big Dan Rugani: please get healthy as soon as possible. It’s the 15th minute and Juventus has 80% of the possession. ............ Is this the best overall game that Jonathan David has had since joining Juventus? Yeah, I feel pretty safe in saying that. And that sure does feel good to see knowing that Juve are going to be without Vlahovic for the next couple of months at least. He didn’t get a goal — thanks for that own goal, guys! — but he sure did so many other good things to make you feel a little more encouraged after this one. Now, for David, it just has to continue. That’s the most obvious thing I’ve said on this blog in a while. I think. The one gripe I have with Spalletti in this game is resting Kenan Yildiz. I don’t know the reasoning behind it, but if you have a chance to rest your best player and still have a very good chance of winning, you go ahead and do it. Juventus could have gotten by without Yildiz against Udinese and given him a full week off going into the biggest domestic fixture outside of the Derby d’Italia to date. Oh well. Is it safe to say that Edon Zhegrova, a lot like Yildiz, comes from the school of wanting to destroy and embarrass opposing defenders as much as possible? I think so. ............ Edon, my dude, just get those fitness levels up so we can enjoy your crafty footwork for more than 10 or 15 minutes a game (or week). There’s so much potential for good things with you on the field because we’ve seen that happen already. Now we just need it for an entire half or maybe, just maybe, from the opening kickoff a few times over the next month or two. This was Weston McKennie’s 200th game in a Juventus jersey. This was Manuel Locatelli’s 201st game in a Juventus jersey. ............ Udinese’s first shot didn’t happen until the 47th minute. More of that sounds like a good idea. Especially the fact that none of the four shots Udinese had against Juventus were actually on goal. ............ Pierre Kalulu, a guy who also probably needs a rest, continues to just be so sound defensively. At some point he will get a rest, but until then just keep on doing what you’re doing, my dude. Now we can turn all of the attention over to facing Napoli this weekend. They’re not untouchable by any means, and Antonio Conte has shown to have some issues with this squad this season. It’s going to be a big ask, but Juve going to southern Italy with three wins in the span of eight days feels like as good as we could have asked entering Spalletti’s first game at the Maradona since leading Napoli to their first title in three decades. It’s going to be an interesting Sunday night, my friends. Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/previews-reviews/34339/juventus-udinese-2025-coppa-italia-round-of-16-final-score-result-initial-reaction-random-observations

Spalletti compares Juventus 2-0 Udinese to lions against mice: ‘The real lion gives his all’ Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti has described his Juventus outfit as ‘lions’ and says that ‘a real lion gives all its strength, even against a mouse’ following Tuesday evening’s 2-0 victory over Udinese in the Coppa Italia round of 16. ............ “We played a decent game, we did everything well. We were well balanced, we capitalised, and created big chances,” Spalletti told Italia 1 after full-time. “We could have managed certain situations better, and given the level we have, we need to take advantage in those. You have to be fierce and mean. A real lion gives all of its strength, even against a mouse.” ............ “David and Openda are two central strikers. If you talk to them, they’ll tell you that’s where they operate best on the pitch,” Spalletti explained. ............ “David is technically very good, and links up well with the team. He moves very well in the box when the team plays against a low block and knows how to manage difficult situations. “Openda is better at attacking from deep, he needs space but they compensate for each other and can also play together. We’re pleased that they’re doing well.” ............ “We have some great players here. I’ve seen a lot of willingness from everyone since I first got here. I’m seeing progress day by day, and that’s what brings me hope for playing a certain type of football, even against the highest-quality teams. We’re still missing a few things, but we’re on the right track.” . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/spalletti-juventus-udinese-like-lions-vs-mice/

Player ratings: Juventus 2-0 Udinese – David unlucky not to have scored twice Juventus are through to the Coppa Italia quarter-final after a 2-0 victory at home against Udinese on Tuesday evening, thanks largely to decent performances from the likes of Jonathan David, Weston McKennie, Teun Koopmeiners and Juan Cabal. ............ Juventus: Di Gregorio 6; Kalulu 6, Gatti 6 (Locatelli 6.5), Kelly 6, Cabal 6.5 (Conceicao 6.5); Cambiaso 6, McKennie 6.5, Miretti 6 (J.Mario 6), Koopmeiners 6.5; David 7 (Openda 6.5), Yildiz 6 (Zhegrova n/a). Best Juventus player: Jonathan David 7 – It was a statement performance from the Canada international in the first half, chosen to lead the attack alongside Kenan Yildiz following the confirmation that Dusan Vlahovic will be unavailable for several months. He was unfortunate not to have two goals to his name in the first half: He would have scored the Bianconeri opener had Matteo Palma not nicked the ball off his feet, going down as an own goal in the end. He also had the ball in the net shortly after with a really impressive finish from a ridiculous angle, almost on the byline, but had that effort chalked off as he was offside by a fraction in the build-up. Encouraging signs. Worst Juventus player: None – It was a fairly routine performance from Juventus, who did not have any particularly poor performers on an individual level on the night. Michele Di Gregorio was the least active of the bunch, given that he did not have to face a shot on target, but that is only a compliment to the rest of the Bianconeri outfielders. Coach: Luciano Spalletti 7 – The Juventus head coach had plenty of adaptations to make following the confirmation of the serious injury to Vlahovic. No Rugani or Bremer either, which meant a switch to a back four, and lots of tweaks in midfield and attack as well. Despite resting key players in Locatelli, Thuram and Conceicao, Juventus were a threat from the very start and were well deserving of their opener after 23 minutes. In the end the Old Lady had the ball in the back of the net four times – efforts from David and Openda ruled out – and Spalletti will be pleased with the fact that his team continued to push for a third deep into injury time. ............ Udinese: Sava 5; Palma 4 (Gueye 6), Solet 6, Bertola 6, Bertola 6; Ehizibue 6, Lovric 6, Zarraga 5.5 (Miller 6), Atta 6 (Ekkelenkamp 6), Zemura 5; Buksa 5.5 (Bravo 6), Zaniolo 5. Best Udinese player: Ehizibue 6 – ............ Worst Udinese player: Palma 4 – ............ Coach: Kosta Runjaic 5 – ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-2-0-udinese-ratings-david-unlucky/

Juventus progress in Coppa Italia with comfortable win over Udinese Juventus delivered a composed and professional performance as they secured a 2 to 0 victory over Udinese in the Coppa Italia, a result that demonstrated their growing confidence and discipline under Luciano Spalletti. The match unfolded exactly as the Bianconeri would have hoped, with the team showing control and assurance from the first whistle. Their approach reflected a clear intention to progress far in a competition that they are fully capable of winning this season. ............ That control soon produced the breakthrough, with Jonathan David opening the scoring after stepping in for the injured Dusan Vlahovic. The Canadian later found the net again, only for the effort to be ruled out following a VAR intervention. Nevertheless, Juventus continued to dominate with their patterns of play. ............ After the interval, Juventus resumed with the same intensity and precision. Their sustained pressure led to a second goal, this time from the penalty spot, calmly converted by Manuel Locatelli. By this stage, the team had shown that they could control the rhythm of the match while remaining defensively secure. A third goal arrived through Lois Openda, although it was ruled out for offside in the buildup. Even so, Juventus preserved their clean sheet and demonstrated their capacity to manage matches effectively. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-progress-in-coppa-italia-with-comfortable-win-over-udinese/

Coppa Italia | Juventus 2-0 Udinese: Locatelli books quarter-final spot Juventus comfortably secured their spot in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals thanks to a 2-0 victory over Udinese at the Allianz Stadium on Tuesday evening: An own goal from the 17-year-old Matteo Palma and a penalty from Manuel Locatelli sending them through. ............ Juventus capitalised on their early dominance in the 23rd minute when Weston McKennie burst down the right flank and provided a low cross into the centre. Jonathan David initially looked to have bundled it into the back of the net with his first touch, but replays showed it was in fact an own goal from the challenging Palma. ............ Then it was David’s turn to have an impressive finish ruled out. He smashed one into the roof of the net from a ridiculous angle, practically on the byline, but he was also fractionally offside in the build-up. He might have felt that he should have had two already by this point. Spalletti was forced into a change at the back 10 minutes into the second half, when Gatti looked to have tweaked something in his hamstring. The Italian was helped off and replaced by Locatelli. The Bianconeri second came midway through the half: The unfortunate Palma involved again. The youngster clipped Cabal just as the Colombian had aimed a ball into the centre of the area. A lengthy VAR review was required, but eventually a penalty was awarded. Locatelli converted coolly, sticking it straight down the middle as Sava dove for the corner. ............ Lois Openda, on as a second-half substitute, had another Bianconeri goal chalked off in the penultimate minute of stoppage time. He had combined brilliantly with Joao Mario on the right flank, playing a one-two before applying a first-time finish from 10 yards out, but his Portuguese partner was, again, offisde in the build-up. Safely through to the quarter finals, Juventus will go on to face either Atalanta or Genoa in the quarter-finals on February 4. Juventus 2-0 Udinese Palma (OG) 23′, Locatelli 68′. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/coppa-italia-juventus-2-0-udinese-locatelli/

Juventus suffer another defensive injury against Udinese in Coppa Italia Defensive injuries are beginning to stack up for Luciano Spalletti and Juventus, as Federico Gatti was forced off while clutching his hamstring during the second half of Juventus’s Coppa Italia Round of 16 tie with Udinese on Tuesday night. ............ Just as Udinese sprung an attack into the Juventus half in the 54th minute, Gatti clutched his hamstring and held his other arm up, signalling to the dugout. He tracked back, uncomfortably, and was relieved to see Miretti tap the ball out of play once the Bianconeri had regained possession. The Italy international was seen to by medical staff on the pitch for around a minute, before being assisted off the field of play to a round of applause from the Allianz Stadium crowd. He was then seen walking, on his own, down the tunnel and towards the medical room. It is expected that he will report to JMedical for further assessment in the coming days. ............ The Bianconeri were already without six first-team players for the Coppa Italia on Tuesday evening, which included two centre-backs in Bremer and Daniele Rugani. Dusan Vlahovic is also out long-term, and Mattia Perin, Carlo Pinsoglio, and Arkadiusz Milik were also unavailable. It could have been worse for the Bianconeri, as Teun Koopmeiners also required treatment shortly before Gatti went down. The Dutchman had an Udinese player fall on top of him and immediately clutched his shoulder. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/another-juventus-defensive-injury/

LOÏS OPENDA 3-0

Entra Zhegrova

Zhegrova non gioca neanche stasera

MANUEL LOCATELLI 2-0

Mó ci danno il rigore

Si é strappato Gatti

Yildiz genio

Meno male che Koopmeiners non si é fratturato la spalla

ROCCHIIIIIIIII DOVE SEI ROCCHIIIIIIII

Bel gol di David ma era in fuorigioco

Come Topo Gigio McKennie?

JONATHAN DAVID 1-0

Forse non lo sanno neanche loro

Speriamo ......

Ma giocano sempre. Assurdo.

Official: Six Juventus players out as Spalletti names squad list for Coppa Italia game Six Juventus players are unavailable for tonight’s Coppa Italia game against Udinese, including goalkeeper Mattia Perin. Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti has named his squad list for tonight’s Coppa Italia game against Udinese in Turin. ............ The list of available players does not include the likes of Carlo Pinsoglio, Gleison Bremer, Daniele Rugani, Dusan Vlahovic, Arkadiusz Milik and Mattia Perin. The latter had started Juventus’ last two games against Bodo/Glimt and Cagliari. ............ The Juventus squad list for tonight’s game includes NextGen players Stefano Mangiapoco, an Italian goalkeeper, and Brazilian centre-back Pedro Felipe, both 21. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/6-juventus-players-out-squad-coppa-italia/

Spalletti will make personnel changes for the Udinese game Luciano Spalletti is set to manage his first Coppa Italia game as the new Juventus manager when the Bianconeri take on Udinese today. Despite an inconsistent start, the club still have opportunities to compete for several trophies, and this match offers a chance to build momentum. Juventus have shown that they remain one of the top clubs in the world, though performances this season have frequently fallen short of expectations. ............ Following back-to-back wins, Juventus face a crucial test against Udinese. The team will be expected to advance, as elimination in their opening Coppa Italia fixture would be a significant setback. Spalletti’s task is to maintain focus and ensure the team performs to their capabilities while managing the demands of competing on multiple fronts. The manager has been working to improve consistency and has demonstrated an ability to respond positively to the team’s challenges this season. Given the intensity of Juventus’ schedule, Spalletti plans to manage player workload carefully. Some key players are likely to be rested for the Coppa Italia match to preserve fitness for other competitions. ............ Spalletti outlined his strategy for the fixture, stressing the importance of giving players space while ensuring readiness. He said, “We should expect some changes. It’s only been a few hours, and we’ve struggled physically and mentally. Also, because the entire team is working consistently and consistently, it’s right to give them space.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/spalletti-will-make-personnel-changes-for-the-udinese-game/

Coppa Italia: Juventus vs. Udinese – probable line-ups Juventus will look to Jonathan David and Lois Openda in tonight’s Coppa Italia Round of 16 tie against Udinese. It kicks off at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT) at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. ............ In the first game without the Serbian, Luciano Spalletti will pick Openda and David in attack, and Vasilije Adzic will start as an attacking midfielder. Or Francisco Conceiçao, rather than Adzic, will support Openda and David up front. Federico Gatti, Lloyd Kelly and Juan Cabal are expected to start in a three-man defence, while Teun Koopmeiners will likely get the nod in central midfield alongside Fabio Miretti. Khephren Thuram and Kenan Yildiz are expected to start on the bench, resting ahead of next weekend’s Serie A match against Napoli. ............ Udinese have travelled to Turin without Thomas Kristensen and Hassane Kamara. The visitors are also expected to rotate massively, leaving Keinan Davis and Nicolò Zaniolo on the bench. ............ Juventus vs. Udinese – probable line-ups Juventus (3-4-1-2): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Gatti, Kelly; Joao Mario, Koopmeiners, Miretti, Kostic; Adzic; David, Openda. Udinese (3-5-2): Sava; Goglichidze, Solet, Palma; Ehizibue, Miller, Piotrowski, Ekkelenkamp, Modesto; Bravo, Buksa. . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-udinese-probable-line-ups-watch-on-tv/