Juventus 3-0 Sampdoria: Five talking points as new manager Andrea Pirlo makes a winning start | Serie A 2020-21

#3 Sampdoria come close, but no cigar

The visitors left their shooting boots at home.

The scoreline might suggest that Sampdoria were rolled over, but that wasn't really the case. Juventus were of course the better side on the night, but Claudio Ranieri's men did manage to carve out some good chances albeit without the cutting edge to finish them off.

Sampdoria, who looked more energetic and threatening after the second stanza, got the ball around the Juventus defence quickly. Federico Bonazzoli steered an effort over the bar as the visitors upped the ante after the Juventus' second goal.

A period of sustained pressure culminated with Albin Ekdal testing Wojciech Szczesny from close range before Fabio Quagliarella tried a shot from range that whizzed inches wide of the post.

In total, Sampdoria attempted 15 shots but could muster only one on target. So there's urgency in the side, but what's lacking is clinical finishing. Should that improve too, Sampdoria oould be a really menacing outfit to defend against.

#4 Emil Audero packs a punch

Emil Audero was in top form against Juventus as he made numerous vital saves/

Amid all the chaos that unfolded in the Sampdoria box, Emil Audero rightfully deserves a mention for his heroics and for almost keeping out Ronaldo too.

The 23-year-old custodian was busy throughout the night but never put a wrong foot forward. He stood tall in the face of the Juventus onslaught and prevented the match from being an absolute blow-out, making five saves on the night.

He was particularly a thorn in Ronaldo's flesh, denying him on multiple occasions, most notably punching away his free-kick in the second half to further frustrate the Juventus striker. As there was virtually nothing he could do about any of Juventus' three goals, Audero must be proud of his performance despite a heavy defeat for his side.

#5 'Pirloball' injects life into Juventus

Early signs of Andrea Pirlo's Juventus are really good.

One of the biggest criticisms of Marizio Sarri's Juventus was lack of fluid football. The team often looked desperately shorn of ideas and ingenuity, labouring to narrow victories or relying on moments of brilliance from either Cristiano Ronaldo or Paulo Dybala.

Even though the side managed to hang on to their domestic title, they paid the price for their putrid brand of football in the Champions League after failing to get past the Round of 16 for the second consecutive season. Sarri was duly given the sack, and Juventus appointed a relatively inexperienced Pirlo at the helm.

There were doubts about the new manager's ability to guide the team, having only stepped into uncharted waters, but after the positive first impression against Sampdoria, it seems like Pirlo is taking Juventus in the right direction.

Juventus looked very rejuvenated under their new manager. They got the ball moving around quickly and tested Sampdoria to the hilt, creating chances at a rapid rate and executing a free-flowing brand of football that was refreshing to watch.

The newcomers appeared to comfortably bed in already while Giorgio Chiellini starred like he wasn't absent from the side whatsoever. Adrian Rabiot too seemed to be back to his scintillating best. If this was anything to go by, then exciting days lie ahead for the Juventini.

🗣🎙 POST-MATCH REACTION | The thoughts of Pirlo, Bonucci and Kulusevski post-#JuveSamp!

— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) September 20, 2020