USMNT STAR TIM WEAH MAKES LONG-AWAITED RETURN TO JUVENTUS XI AS WESTON MCKENNIE COMES OFF BENCH TO HELP SALVAGE DRAW WITH CAGLIARI

WHAT HAPPENED?

Juventus entered the match struggling a bit, and it didn't take long for Cagliari to not only score but pile on the misery with a second.

The hosts were given two penalties within six minutes, with Gianluca Gaetano netting the first in the 30th minute. Former Everton defender Yerry Mina was called upon to take the second of those penalties in the 36th minute and he, too, made no mistake as he handed Cagliari a 2-0 lead.

Dusan Vlahovic was able to pull one back from a free kick in the 61st minute, though, giving Juventus a bit of hope. And that hope paid off late, as an own goal from Alberto Dossena earned Juve a split of the points.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The draw was nice given the circumstances, but it also continues a rough run for Juventus, who could tumble down the Serie A table if the club doesn't find a way to turn things around.

The Old Lady have won just two of their last 11 Serie A games dating back to January 21, leaving them a distant third in the league. Milan are five points ahead in second with a game in hand, while league-leaders Inter have a 19-point lead on Juve with one more game to play as well.

More concerning for Juve, though, is the top-four race. They have just a five-point lead on fourth-place Bologna, who have a game to play this weekend. Roma are in fifth with two more games to play, and they sit nine points back.

USMNT IMPACT

Weah was handed a rare start for Juventus as he was named to the starting XI for the first time since February 12 and the third time since the start of 2024.

It was a solid but not spectacular day for Weah, who took back a spot at right wingback. Weah has largely served as Andrea Cambiasso's backup in that spot this season, but the Italian was shifted to the left in place of Filip Kostic on Friday.

Weah lasted 68 minutes before being replaced by McKennie, who was given a bit of a rest on Friday. McKennie has proven himself to be one of Juve's most important players, and his introduction certainly added a bit of life to the attack as the Old Lady pushed for their eventual equalizer.

Both Weah and McKennie remain vital starters for the USMNT with both almost certain to be key contributors at this summer's Copa America.

GOAL'S RATINGS

Tim Weah (6/10):

Had one decent look on goal and did his job defensively. Could have offered a bit more in the attacking end but, overall, a decent showing.

Weston McKennie (6/10):

Had a few good sequences and moved the ball well. Juve definitely looked better with McKennie on the field.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Juve have just five games left in their Serie A season, with the next two being extremely difficult ones. Up next is a match against Milan in Turin and, after that, they'll visit Roma on May 5 in a match that could define their season. before those, though, Juve will face Lazio in the Coppa Italia semifinal on Tuesday as they nurse a 2-0 lead from the first leg.