Tim Weah shines in brief Juventus debut as USMNT teammate Weston McKennie comes off bench to replace him at wing-back in win over Udinese

Juventus made short work of Udinese in their Serie A opener as Tim Weah got his Juventus career off to an ideal start.

The U.S. men's national team winger made his debut in Sunday's 3-0 win over Udinese, playing 45 minutes before being removed at halftime due to an apparent injury.

He was replaced by his USMNT teammate, Weston McKennie, who came on for a strong 45 minute shift. It took Juventus just a few minutes to start the season off with a bang as Federico Chiesa opened the scoring in the second minute. Dusan Vlahovic doubled that lead in the 20th minute, scoring from the penalty spot, with Adrien Rabiot making it 3-0 just before halftime with Weah playing a part in the buildup.

Weah started the first half for Juve, featuring in the right wing-back role that was vacated by Juan Cuadrado's departure. The ex-Lille attacker spent a bulk of last season featuring in that wing-back role and looks set to play there primarily for Juve.

He lasted just 45 minutes, though, as an apparent foot injury suffered late in the first half saw Weah removed at halftime. In his place, McKennie was tossed into the fray at that wing-back spot, having started the game on the bench. McKennie was perhaps even more dangerous than Weah, playing in several dangerous crosses.

Weah's injury will be a slight concern for Juve, although it didn't appear to be too serious. Prior to his injury, Weah did have some bright moments, most notably in the buildup to Juventus' third goal of the day. On that sequence, Weah broke free on the right-hand side and worked it to Rabiot, who, after Juventus worked the ball to the left, was the player to finish off the sequence with a goal.

McKennie, meanwhile, will face a battle to get into the midfield, with Rabiot and Manuel Locatelli essentially undroppable. Rising star Fabio Miretti got the start alongside them and, at just 20 years old, could be a player to lock down a role for years to come. Weah's continued development as a wingback will be a storyline to watch, especially for the USMNT.

With Gregg Berhalter's return, it can be assumed that Weah will remain a vital piece of the attack, with the USMNT boss frequently pointing to his ability to get to the endline as a winger. While Weah isn't playing a purely defensive role for Juve, who generally plays three at the back, his move further back could see him eventually play a similar role for the USMNT.

As for McKennie, the key to the season will be regaining whatever confidence he lost last season during his loan spell at Leeds. His appearance bodes well for his Juventus future, although there is still time in the transfer window for him to move should the right offer come in.

Made his mark on the leadup to the third goal and was otherwise solid throughout. Accurate on his one cross and won two tackles, doing his job defensively in the few moments he had to. A solid showing off the bench for McKennie, who will have to fight for a role for himself this season. Should have had an assist or two and will have no doubt impressed Allegri with this performance.

Juve will play their first match at home next weekend as they host Bologna for their second match of the Serie A season.