Ghana midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah made an emphatic return to the pitch on Sunday afternoon following his one-year injury-induced absence, helping title holders Juventus to a 4-0 hammering of Udinese in the Italian top-flight.
Goals from Sami Khedira, Alex Sandro and a brace from Paulo Dybala completed the rout in which Danilo was shown a red card but the return of the Ghanaian to full-time action and the victory over his compatriot Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu will dominate the headlines for the people of Ghana.
The Old Lady took the lead after a quarter of an hour. A foul on former Udinese midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah saw his countrymen Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu booked, with Paulo Dybala stepping up to plant his free kick into the bottom corner.
Juventus doubled their lead moments later. A header across the face of goal from Dybala was watched idly by the defenders, with Sami Khedira requiring a faint touch to put the away side two ahead. Matters went from bad to worse before the match had even reached the half hour mark.
Mandzukic was fouled from behind in the box by Danilo, resulting in a penalty and red card for the Brazilian. Dybala converted his penalty, sending Orestis Karnezis the wrong way and bagging his 11th goal of the campaign.
With half time approaching, full-back Alex Sandro found a forth. A dummy run from Asamoah gave the Brazilian space on the edge of the area, who opened up his body to finish brilliantly into the bottom corner with his weaker foot.
In the second half the visiting side came close to adding to their advantage, substitute Alvaro Morata getting his shot away but straight at Karnezis. Francesco Lodi came the closest for the Zebrette, watching his free kick go agonizingly close but for the save from Gianluigi Buffon.
The result moves Juventus to with in two points of Serie A leaders Napoli, while Udinese continue to drop points and move closer to the relegation zone.
Asamoah's return to to full time action delights Juventus after the Italy-based midfielder suffered the career-threatening injury in the latter parts of 2014 and only recovered from the setback a year later.
While he was away, Ghana reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations only to be beaten on penalties by by Ivory Coast.
His club too were impressive by winning the Italian League title and excelling in the UEFA Champions League by reaching the final only to be defeated by Barcelona.
The midfielder's return bodes well for both Ghana and Juventus with several matches coming up later this year.
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com