Tim Weah started his Serie A season off with a bang with a goal in Juventus' opener as Weston McKennie remained on the bench in the win over Como.
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Weah starts and scores for Juve.Weah in a more attacking role this season.McKennie stays on bench.Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Tim Weah scored Juventus' second goal of the day, following a finish from Samuel Mbangula with a fantastic strike just moments before halftime. Unfortunately for Weah, who started on the wing in Thiago Motta's first official match in charge, a knock suffered just moments before his finish prevented him from continuing on after halftime.
His U.S. Men's National Team teammate Weston McKennie was named to the bench but remained an unused substitute as Juventus secured a 3-0 win, with goals from Mbangula, Weah, and Andrea Cambiaso.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Weah's spot in the starting XI was a good sign for USMNT fans, but even better was the position that start came in. After spending most of last season as a wingback, Weah returned to the wing, the role he occupies with the USMNT. He had also been training as a striker during preseason, indicating that Motta sees him as a key attacker for Juve going forward.
McKennie, meanwhile, was included after a summer full of transfer rumors. He'd been left out of the team altogether during preseason, but Motta recently backtracked and admitted that McKennie could have a part to play this season.While the manager may have him in his plans, not playing him on Monday suggests otherwise, allowing those transfer rumors to persist as the window closes.
GettyDID YOU KNOW?
While Weah's goal was his first in Serie A, it wasn't his first goal for Juventus. He had previously scored for the club in the Coppa Italia, netting against Salernitana in a 6-1 win back in January.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR JUVENTUS?
Weah, McKennie and Juventus will now look ahead to next week's match against Verona, their second of the Serie A season.