- Juventus draw 1-1 with Salernitana
- Rabiot cancels out Pierozzi opener
- McKennie subbed at the break
WHAT HAPPENED?
Juventus’ winless run stretched to six matches in all competitions despite Rabiot’s second-half stoppage-time equaliser cancelling out as Niccolo Pierozzi’s 27th-minute opener. The Old Lady had 25 shots and 68% possession but failed to break down Serie A’s basement side. The result means Juventus stay fourth as their poor end of season form continues.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Juventus missed the chance to wrap up qualification for next season’s Champions League as they failed to unlock the spirited and dogged visitors. While that goal is still likely to happen, Juventus are a side devoid of confidence at present and manager Massimiliano Allegri will be under even more pressure to keep his job.
USMNT IMPACT
McKennie has, largely, had an impressive season for Juventus – in stark contrast to his poor loan spell at Leeds United in the second half of last term. However, this game did not bring the best out of the midfielder and USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter is likely to decide against using him on the right heading into the Copa America this summer. His strengths lie in central midfield but as for Timothy Weah, to not be picked at all in a struggling Juventus squad may be a cause for concern.
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GOAL’S RATINGS
Weston McKennie (5/10):
TNT Sports’ commentator for the game described the 25-year-old’s display as “one-paced” and it is hard to disagree with him. The American was played on the right, a role he has been utilised in multiple times this season, but he is far more effective in the middle of the park. He got no change out of Salernitana’s defence out on the flank and made way at the break as one of three changes.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
McKennie’s Juventus side will hope to bounce back from this poor result when they take on Atalanta in the Coppa Italia final on Wednesday night. After that, Juve play Bologna and Monza in their final two Serie A games of the season.
