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Juventus vs Udinese Report

Gregory Sica, January 29 2012,
Alessandro Matri scores a superb brace against Udinese to help a triumphant Juventus extend their Serie A lead to four points.
Alessandro Matri scored two goals for Juventus
Alessandro Matri scored two goals for Juventus
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Two goals from striker Alessandro Matri were the difference as Juventus withstood the falling snow to edge Udinese 2-1 to move four points clear at the top of the Serie A standings on Saturday.

La Vecchia Signora pushed to the attack immediately from the kick-off and the South American connection of Arturo Vidal and Marcio Estigarribia combined for what almost was their opening goal. Vidal sent Estigarribia through on goal with a penetrating pass, but the Paraguayan international had his fierce shot saved by the foot of Udinese goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.

Moments later Udinese came close to opening the scoring, when a powerful drive from Almen Abdi was only just tipped over the bar by Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Udinese continued to look dangerous when moving to the attack and would have taken the lead had Buffon not pulled off a magnificent save to deny a venomous Pablo Armero volley from entering the back of the net.

But to the disbelief of the visitors, Matri put Juventus ahead on the stroke of half-time with a simple tap-in after an earlier header from Fabio Quagliarella was parried by Handanovic.

Juventus approached the early moments of the second half with immense confidence as they burst forward on dangerous attacks, but in the 56th minute the visitors caught them on the break with substitute Antonio Floro Flores drawing them level with a fine curling effort.

Though Udinese's joy lasted shortly, as six minutes later Claudio Marchisio and Vidal combined to set up Matri, who turned his marker before firing Juventus back into the lead.

Udinese threw their men forward in an attempt to draw level towards the end of the match, with 14-goal hero Antonio Di Natale coming inches close to achieving just this. But despite their best efforts Antonio Conte's troops stood firm in defence to claim a hard-fought but justified victory.

Juventus vs Udinese

Date: Saturday, 28 Jan 2012
Time: 14:45 ( US/Eastern )
Competition: Italy Serie A
Live/Repeat: Live
Venue: Juventus Arena (Torino)

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