It wasn’t easy – but nothing seems to be for Juventus this season. Despite being wildly popular, rich and brimming with talented players, there was something missing for the black and whites of Turin. And now we know that all they were missing was Federico Chiesa.Juventus win rate in Serie A this season -Before Chiesa returned from injury: 50%Since Chiesa returned from injury: 100%🫣🫣🫣 pic.twitter.com/Cj6te94VA4— Ralphie (@powellyowl) January 7, 2023 Italian winger Chiesa came off the bench and produced a moment of magic to create the easiest of chances for captain Danilo to poke home with 86 minutes on the clock and give Juventus a 1-0 success against Udinese. It was a slow burner of a match in which Juve struggled to create chances and were wasteful when they finally carved out something.On the other end, Udinese looked dangerous on the break with Beto, Isaac Success and Wallace missing decent chances to shock the hosts at Allianz Stadium.For Juventus, Moise Kean and Filip Kostic failed to turn promising positions into goals, which led to Massimiliano Allegri’s men staring into the eyed of a drab goalless draw. But just like in their last game at Cremonese, a late moment of magic sparked their fans into life.Juventus have now won eight consecutive Serie A games without conceding a single goal.They’ve now kept more clean sheets (12) than any other team in Europe’s top five divisions. 🧱 pic.twitter.com/SbTBfDpw1W— Squawka (@Squawka) January 7, 2023 In Cremona, it was the late, late free-kick of Arkadiusz Milik and this time it was an inspired moment from substitute Federico Chiesa. The Italian international, finally back from injury, ran into space, chested a Leandro Paredes’ looped pass and squared it onto the far post in one elegant, continuous move. Danilo had the easy task to poke it over the line and give his team the win.The victory saw Juventus overtake AC Milan and climb into the second place – although with a game in hand. Not bad for a team that’s been struggling for most of the campaign.SERIE A – Round 17SaturdayFiorentina – Sassuolo 2-1 (0-0)/Saponara 48, Gonzalez 90+1 pen – Berardi 57 pen/Juventus – Udinese 1-0 (0-0)/Danilo 86/22:45: (6.25) Monza (4.10) Inter (1.60)Sunday14:30: (3.50) Salernitana (3.25) Torino (2.30)17:00: (2.70) Spezia (3.05) Lecce (3.00)17:00: (1.60) Lazio (4.10) Empoli (6.25)20:00: (8.50) Sampdoria (4.50) Napoli (1.45)22:45: (1.95) Milan (3.50) Roma (4.40)Monday20:30: (2.20) Verona (3.35) Cremonese (3.35)22:45: (3.60) Bologna (3.40) Atalanta (2.20)***odds are subject to change***
