Juventus 3-1 Udinese: 3 reasons why the hosts secured much-needed victory | Serie A 2019-20

#2 Juventus' squad players shone in absence of regular starters

Merih Demiral put in a solid defensive performance.

Though Juventus haven't been particularly plagued by injuries this season, key players like Giorgio Chiellini, Sami Khedira face long spells on the sidelines. First choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny also pulled out of the match at the last moment. Due to the absence of these stars and also because of the tight schedule before the winter break, Sarri fielded a squad with six changes from their outing in the Champions League.

478 - Gianluigi Buffon reach today Alessandro Del Piero as the most present player in the history of Serie A with Juventus. Symbol. pic.twitter.com/xHLfAANJgw

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) December 15, 2019

These changes comprised of the inclusion of veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon between the sticks, a 21-year-old Merih Demiral in defence, while Rabiot and Betancur started in the centre of the park. All of the players performed their duties well, but it was defender Demiral who impressed the most in just his second game of the season.

He made a couple of crucial blocks in the second half when Udinese looked dangerous going forward, while also contributing to Bonnuci's third goal. Juventus possess impressive depth and quality in the squad, which might prove to be indispensable for Sarri as they look to compete on all fronts this season.