Thiago Motta was ‘happy with both the result and performance’ as Juventus beat Torino 2-0, urging Kenan Yildiz to make more of the attacks that prompted his goal.
The Bianconeri found it relatively smooth sailing in the Derby della Mole, as Andrea Cambiaso’s angled drive was parried into the path of Tim Weah to open the scoring with the first real opportunity of the match.
Substitute Francisco Conceicao then floated a late cross to the back post for the Kenan Yildiz diving header, sealing the 2-0 scoreline.
“It is always important to play with balance and it was another good performance where we bring three points home. I am happy both with the result and the performance, in a derby on home turf, and thank our fans for their support,” Thiago Motta told Sky Sport Italia.
“I also want to thank the players, because it was not easy playing the third game in a week, but we remained solid, focused and effective when needed. We certainly deserved the victory.”
Check the Juventus 2-0 Torino Football Italia Player Ratings
Thiago Motta wants more from versatile young forwards
Weah is already on his fourth goal of the season, having previously struggled to make an impact under Max Allegri.
“I am very happy with Kenan’s goal, because we must keep getting him to attack the back post. Timothy is more accustomed to doing that, he also did very well along with Dusan Vlahovic and Teun Koopmeiners, who help our left-backs by blocking off the movements of the Torino midfielders.”
Francisco Conceicao and Kenan Yildiz have started together in the Champions League, but not yet in Serie A, so Thiago Motta was asked is there a reason for that?
“It is a coincidence. We started with Tim today because he is going through a great period of form. The game lasts over 90 minutes now, we must be on our toes throughout and realise anything can happen, so we need options off the bench. We can do that by alternating the forwards, while they can and already have also played together.
“Torino man-mark and go for individual duels that leave you little room to play, so it was not easy.”
Vlahovic is the only centre-forward in the side, as Arek Milik is injured, so if the Serbian should ever be ruled out, who would Juventus use upfront?
“It depends on the match, the form of the players and the characteristics of the opponents. When Samuel Mbangula came on, he did very well against Inter. Tonight we ended the match without a centre-forward, so they are all options,” concluded Motta.
This result puts Juve within a point of leaders Napoli, awaiting tomorrow night’s Scudetto showdown between Inter and the Partenopei at San Siro.