Vlahovic double fires Juventus to 3-0 win over Sassuolo

Dusan Vlahovic scored a sensational first-half brace to help Juventus win 3-0 against Sassuolo in Serie A on Tuesday, extending Massimiliano Allegri’s side’s undefeated league run to 15 games in front of a sold-out home crowd.

Juve remains second in the standings with 49 points, two behind leaders Inter Milan and seven ahead of third-placed AC Milan.

Vlahovic broke the deadlock in the fifteenth minute with a rasping effort from just beyond the box as Juventus granted the visitors more possession but managed to maintain control of a thrilling match at the Juventus Stadium.

The striker from Serbia scored his ninth goal of the year just before the half with a long-range free kick to make it 2-0.

Allegri said at a news conference, “Vlahovic played a good game, he was much more calm.”

“I informed him this morning that he got into a fight with the referee because he felt he should have gone above and beyond against Frosinone in the Coppa Italia quarterfinal. He was lot clearer tonight.”

For the first time in more than three years, the 23-year-old has contributed to a goal in four straight Serie A outings, scoring three and assisting twice.

“Dusan went through a difficult time since he wasn’t well. Now that he’s focused on becoming better, Allegri continued, “he’s finding the right composure to manage the match.”

After losing 4-2 in the rematch Sassuolo caused Juve’s sole loss of the year in all competitions. Domenico Berardi, the attacker, came dangerously near in the 53rd minute of play missing the mark with a shot from the edge of the box.

Juve goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny made a superb stop to deny Berardi another powerful attempt 10 minutes later, before replacement Federico Chiesa clinched the victory for the hosts in the 89th minute with a low strike into the middle of the goal.

After the Italian Super Cup which was held in Saudi Arabia. Juve will next travel to 13th-place Lecce on Sunday in an attempt to pass Inter and take the top spot. Simone Inzaghi’s team won’t play in Serie A again until January 28.

The midtable Monza team will be Sassuolo’s next opponent. Currently in 14th place, two points separate them from the relegation zone.