Tim Weah arrived off the bench and Weston McKennie was rested as Juventus thumped Salernitana 6-1 in the Coppa Italia
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Juve thump Salernitana 6-1Advance in Coppa ItaliaWeah scores screamer, McKennie restedWHAT HAPPENED?
Salernitana were knocked out of the competition by the Bianconeri on Thursday afternoon, with a dominant Juve performance taking center-stage. The Serie A minnows opened the scoring in the first minute of the match, catching Juve off guard and taking advantage of the situation. However, the Old Lady responded well, with two first-half goals from Fabio Miretti and Andrea Cambiasso. Defender Daniele Rugani added a third 10 minutes into the second half, and an own goal from Dylan Bronn with a quarter of an hour remaining made it four.
The Old Lady didn't stop there, though, as Kenan Yildiz opened his account in the 88th minute, followed by an outrageous long-distance screamer from Weah in stoppage-time.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
It was a much-needed rest for USMNT star McKennie, who came into the match with 10-straight starts for club and country, being subbed off in only one of them. He's been in incredible form of late, with boss Massimiliano Allegri praising him for his 'growth' over the past season ahead of Thursday's cup match.
Weah, meanwhile, came on with 24 minutes to spare and helped see the Bianconeri through to the next round of the tournament. He flourished in the right wingback role immediately, capping off the win with a stunning effort from range with minutes to spare. He may be slightly disappointed to not get the start, but he was handed the nod at the weekend against Roma, and proved outstanding in their victory over Jose Mourinho and Co. Surely, after that strike, Allegri will look at giving him a shout at the weekend in his XI.
GettyUSMNT IMPACT
Gregg Berhalter will surely be happy to see McKennie get some midweek rest, especially in a match where many of the second-string Juventus players flourished. For Weah, however, it was a brilliant moment that showcased his attacking talents. Many have criticized Allegri for his use of the USMNT winger in a more defensive role, but it obviously has not hindered his ruthlessness in front of goal.
His first goal for the Bianconeri is one to remember after he shocked the entire stadium with the effort. Berhalter will surely have a cheeky smile on his face rewatching that one across the pond.
GOAL'S RATINGS
Tim Weah (9/10): He did not place a foot wrong after entering the match midway through the second half, and capped off his cameo with a stunning effort from distance.
Weston McKennie (NA): Did not play.