McKennie Assist in Draw With Lazio

Midfielder Provided the Cross on the Match's Opening Goal as Juventus Had to Settle for a Draw

Weston McKennie again proved his value to Juventus, delivering a perfect assist in their hard-fought 1-1 draw against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday. McKennie's contribution highlighted his tactical versatility and importance to Igor Tudor's squad in a match, which had significant implications for Champions League qualification.

Six minutes into the second half, McKennie showed his vision and technical ability by floating an inch-perfect cross from the left flank that found an unmarked Randal Kolo Muani, who headed home from close range to give Juventus the lead. The assist demonstrated McKennie's ability to create chances even when not playing in his preferred position, as Tudor continues to utilize the American in different roles across the midfield.

The match took a dramatic turn when Pierre Kalulu received a red card nine minutes after Juventus' goal, forcing the Bianconeri to defend with ten men for the remainder. Despite a valiant defensive effort, Lazio found an equalizer through Matas Vecino in the sixth minute of stoppage time, sending the Stadio Olimpico into wild celebrations.

The draw leaves Juventus in fourth place in Serie A, level on points with Lazio but ahead on head-to-head record. With just two matches remaining in the season, the race for Champions League qualification remains exceptionally tight, with Roma just one point behind and Bologna and Fiorentina also in contention.

Off the pitch, McKennie showed his lighthearted side in pre-match interviews, joking about his unconventional pasta recipe combining pesto, tomato, chicken and chili oil—which has apparently failed to convince his Italian teammates—and commenting humorously on the recent election of the first American Pope, Leo XIV, saying "now English is the first language in Italy!"