It's 0-0 between Udinese and Juventus at halftime, but that doesn't mean it's been a boring match. Juve have come to the Friuli with the intent to win, while the home side are determined to keep their 100 percent record in Udine. The visitors came out flying, pressuring Samir Handanovic's goal, but a shot from Claudio Marchisio went high and wide, while Danilo kept out a cheeky ball from Simone Pepe.
Udinese Vs. Juventus, 2011 Serie A: 0-0 At Halftime
But Udinese do very well at letting the average observer think that the opposition has the match firmly in their control -- and sometimes even lure the other team into thinking the same. They linger and then they attack, quickly, ferociously. A mistake from Giorgio Chiellini very nearly lead to the opening goal, but Gigi Buffon as able to get a finger on the shot from Mauricio Isla.
At the 40 minute mark, a little bell went off in the referee's brain, reminding him that he had cards in his pocket.In quick succession, he gave a (seemingly harsh) yellow to Dusan Basta for a foul on Marcelo Estigarribia, a needed yellow to Giampiero Pinzi for sticking his boot in the way of Simone Pepe, and one to Arturo Vidal just because he seemed to enjoy flashing cards around.
If Udinese could just manage to 1) keep the ball on the ground when they’re pressing and 2) finally teach Toto Di Natale the offside rule, this game is a lock. On the other hand, Marchisio has had three shots on goal, each of them getting ever closer, the last needing a nudge by Handanovic to keep it from going in the net. Stay tuned.
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