The Bianconeri returned to success thanks also to the performance of the Argentine who supported Vlahovic up front. The former Viola scored the 2-1 goal after goals from McKennie and a momentary equalizer from Birindelli.
Juventus in Monza were looking for a victory to free themselves from the “draw” and move up positions towards the Champions League zone. Objective achieved, even if there were difficulties. The Bianconeri get the three points thanks also to the return as starter of Nico Gonzalez, who had been missing from the first minute since 2 October, i.e. since the unfortunate (injury to Bremer) but successful away match in Leipzig.
Speaking of away games, with this 2-1 away from home Juventus are back to winning one after having drawn their last four in all competitions.
Back and forth
For the attack, Motta chooses to support Vlahovic with the retreating Nico Gonzalez from the 1st minute, while Yildiz and Conceicao act on the outside. The Italian-Brazilian coach also chooses to bring McKennie back as left back, given the absence of Danilo.
It was the American who broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, scoring from a few steps away following Koopmeiners' cross from a corner. The advantage, however, does not last long because Monza appears in Di Gregorio's area a little too often and in the 22nd minute they find the equalizer with Birindelli, who finishes Carboni's cross with a sumptuous left-footed volley.
Nico's paw
The game is evolving, with the Bianconeri dancing a little too much in defense but when they attack they give the impression of being able to score. And the goal arrives, albeit in a somewhat daring way, in the 39th minute, when Nico Gonzalez beats Turati taking advantage of a loose ball in the area touched by Locatelli.
Monza tries to react and at the end of the first half tries to finish twice with Caprari and Mota Carvalho, but the shots are blocked by Koopmeiners, who was added as a defender on the occasion. Juventus can thus end the first half with the lead.
Recovery without major jolts
In the second half, the Bianconeri introduced Thuram on the pitch in place of Koopmeiners, who was replaced by Motta as a precaution after the Dutchman suffered a muscle problem. Monza started well and equalized with Bianco challenging Di Gregorio from outside, then it was Yildiz's turn, from a slightly out of the way position, to force Turati to deflect over the crossbar.
When the Brianza players attack they seem to be able to do harm because Juventus at the back continues to offer too much space, with Kalulu less punctual than usual. D'Ambrosio tries to take advantage of it, but from a good position he misses the target.
At the end of the match the substitutions begin, Nesta tries to insert fresh forces with Izzo, Maric and Sensi, while Motta replaces Vlahovic with Mbangula, Conceicao with Adzic and McKennie with Fagioli. The American himself touches the ball shortly before with his arm just outside the area, but the referee lets it go.
The score no longer changes, Juventus returns to victory in the championship after more than a month thanks to Nico Gonzalez's goal.
