GOAL takes a look at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, with Adams, Weah and more all in action
This is a landmark weekend for Serie A in the U.S. Juventus’ home game against Bologna at noon ET on Saturday will be broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+, becoming just the second Serie A match to be shown on American broadcast television.
And there's reason for excitement here. The game chosen is an intriguing one. Juventus need to get back on track, while their opponents, Bologna, have won four of their last five.
With USMNT winger Tim Weah likely to start, there will be a real American influence on the pitch. Pre-match studio coverage will originate live from Juventus’ Allianz Stadium in Italy, beginning at 11 a.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.
But it's not the only marquee event to be found. Tyler Adams is in an excellent vein of form for Bournemouth – something he will hope to continue as the Cherries make an unlikely European push. it all comes after a mixed Friday. Ricardo Pepi, Malik Tillman and Richy Ledezma all found the net for PSV in a dominant 6-1 win. There was less good news from Christian Pulisic, though, who exited Milan's eventual 2-1 loss to Atalanta with an apparent lower leg injury.
GOAL looks ahead at some of the biggest storylines to follow among Americans Abroad this weekend.
GettyThe Juve boys return
It was a disappointing weekend for Thiago Motta. Juventus controlled proceedings against Lecce, but a late lapse saw them throw a 1-0 lead away. are a solid defensive side, and are yet to lose in Serie A, but they can be frighteningly timid in front of goal at times. Part of that, of course is due to the patchy fitness of star striker Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian has suffered from a handful of different knocks this season, and rather blunted the Juve attack as a result.
But he now seems to be on the mend, and with the squad elsewhere coming together, it would appear to be an idal time for Juve to be playing Bologna. The extent of the involvement of the USMNT contingent isn't clear.
Weston McKennie has been out since the November international break with what the club described as "fatigue." Meanwhile, Weah looked badly misused as a No. 9 last week. In an ideal world from the American perspective, the duo would make an impact from minute one. What seems more likely, though, is Weah moving back to his preferred wing position, with McKennie given a few minutes to recuperate.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTyler Adams and Bournemouth keep on winning?
Anyone who doubted the managerial skills of Andoni Iraola now looks like a bit of an fool. The Spanish manager has Bournemouth in fine form, taking points off both Arsenal and Manchester City. And Tyler Adams, in his return to the fold, has certainly looked the part. He has been rather misused for the USMNT at times as a lone defensive midfielder, forced to do a bit of everything while two advanced midfielders go and create in front of him.
Iraola has found joy using him as part of a double pivot, usually alongside the active and physical Ruyan Christie, with Justin Kuivert allowed to float around further forward. it's a wonderfully balanced thing, that allows Adams to run, pass, and show some of the playmaking chops that were always there.
He has, in fact, been key to the Cherries' recent run. That continued against Spurs in a 1-0 win midweek, and he could be crucial yet again against Ipswich on Sunday
GettyRicardo Pepi, superstar?
The American contingent at PSV has already done its bit. Pepi got the weekend going a day early when he was handed the start over captain Luuk de Jong Friday, and made the most of his opportunity. The USMNT forward provided a wonderful assist for Moroccan midfielder Ismael Saibari early in the second half, and finished a 6-1 rout with a goal of his own late on – a lovely dink over a surging goalkeeper.
But he wasn't the only American to make his mark. Tillman rediscovered some of his early season form in style, and bagged PSV's second goal on the night with a scrappy finish inside the box. Ledezma's, though, was the real standout. The right-back made it five with a wonderful strike, surging up the side of the pitch before pinging in a shot in off the post from a tight angle. It's early, but PSV might just have this thing wrapped up.
GettyInjury worries for Pulisic, Milan
The news coming out of Milan isn't so good Friday. Pulisic was busy in the opening 35 minutes of his side's crucial Serie A clash with Atalanta, but took a kick from an opposing defender while trying to shield the ball. Although he played on for a few minutes, he eventually went down, and was replaced by Ruben Loftus Cheek.
The American was able to walk off the pitch by himself, but went straight down the tunnel.
Yunus Musah also started, but had admittedly little impact as Milan conceded late in a 2-1 loss. Paulo Fonseca's side are now in 7th, and three points out of the last European spot. If their match-winner is sidelined for a while, this season could already be in trouble.