Udinese 2-2 Juventus: Szczesny error costs Juve as they throw away a two-goal lead | Serie A 2021-22

Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus FC celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal against UdineseCristiano Ronaldo of Juventus FC celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal against Udinese
Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus FC celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal against Udinese - IMAGO / Insidefoto

Juventus began their 2020/21 Serie A campaign with a disappointing 2-2 draw with Udinese on Sunday after two errors from Szczesny cost them a win. The home team came from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw, with Ronaldo denied a winner late in the game by VAR. 

The game was Massimilano Allegri’s first since his return to Juventus. His side began brightly, scoring their first goal of the evening within the first three minutes through Paulo Dybala, who played up front with Morata in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Argentine received a pass from Rodrigo Bentancur before firing past Marco Silvestri to open his season’s account. 

Twenty minutes later, Juan Cuadrado doubled Juventus’ lead with a thunderous strike, handing the visitors a straightforward lead entering into the half-time break.

Wojciech Szczęsny errors cost Juventus three points

But shortly after the restart, Udinese were offered a route back into the game from the penalty spot after Wojciech Szczęsny had fouled Ivan Pezzuto. Roberto Pereyra stepped up to convert, sending the keeper the other way.

The keeper was at fault again in the 83rd minute as his poor decision making allowed Gerard Deulofeu to equalise for the hosts. 

Cristiano Ronaldo almost won the match for Juventus

However, there was more drama in the game when VAR denied Ronaldo a winner in the sixth minute of added time. The former Real Madrid man came on in the 60th minute after being named on the bench. Media reports in Italy claimed that the Portugal international reportedly asked Max Allegri to be named as a substitute to maintain his fitness as he continues to seek a move away from the club. However, Juventus denied such claims.

The result leaves Juventus trailing leaders Inter Milan early in the season. But with 37 more games to play, they will be confident of doing better in their other games. They face Empoli in their next match, while Udinese will host newcomers Venezia in their next outing.