Weston McKennie played a part in Juventus' return to winning form, and he did so at an unusual position
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Juve crush Cagliari 4-0back to winning waysMcKennie stars as left backFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
U.S. men's national team star Weston McKennie started in a new position for Juventus and helped his team advance past the Coppa Italia Round of 16 on Tuesday with a 4-0 win over Cagliari in Turin.
Juventus had won just one contest in December, a shock result over struggling Manchester City on Dec. 11 in the Champions League. Outside of that victory, the club had drawn five of its last seven matches – a streak that extended to November.
McKennie went all 90 minutes as Juve's left back, a position he hasn't played in his five seasons at the club. In the game's final stages, McKennie was joined by USMNT teammate Tim Weah, who took his place in the attack for the game's final 10 minutes or so.
Juventus opened the scoring just before halftime, with star striker Dusan Vlahovic firing home a pass from rising winger Kenan Yildiz. The Serbian could have had two more on his record, too, but saw two goals called back for offside in the second half.
It did not matter, though, as Juve did get their insurance goals. One came from Teun Koopmeiners, whose stunning free-kick was all the insurance the hosts would need to leave with a win that had been a long time coming. Juve did add two more for good measure, though, as youngster Francisco Conceicao scored to make it 3-0 in the 80th minute before Nico Gonzalez tacked on a fourth a few minutes later.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
McKennie surely played his part in ending Juventus' recent struggles and was largely solid at that left-back position. He wasn't a pure fullback in many ways, as he did cut into the midfield often throughout the match. Wherever he was, though, he was effective, as he created three chances while completing all but four of his passes. McKennie was physical, too, committing four fouls while avoiding a booking.
Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?
While it is McKennie's first appearance as left back for Juventus, he has played out wide for the club throughout his time there. He started last season as Weah's backup at right-wingback, but played several times in the role once Weah was injured. He then reclaimed his role in central midfield as the Serie A campaign wore on.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR JUVENTUS?
Having built a little bit of momentum, Juve will now look to bring that to Serie A this weekend when they take on 19th-placed Monza. Due to the club's inconsistent form, the club now sits sixth in the league and will need to collect points if it is to rise up the table and into the title race.
In terms of the Coppa Italia, Juve will now look ahead to a meeting with Empoli in the quarterfinals.
