USMNT star Weston McKennie captains Juventus to season-defining win over Serie A rivals Inter

Weston McKennie was once again handed the Juventus captain's armband, having been given that honor several times in recent weeks. He started in central midfield on Sunday, having re-earned his spot in that position, while his U.S. men's national team teammate Tim Weah started at right-back.

Inter largely dominated the first half, creating several chances down Juve's left-hand side. Juventus, though, fought back in the second, eventually getting the only goal they needed in the 74th minute from Francisco Conceicao for a 1-0 victory.

McKennie was a key creative figure for Juve, even if he wasn't involved in a goal, as he created five chances in the match, the most of any player on the field. Weah, meanwhile, completed 29 of his 32 passes while also proving the more defensively capable of Juve's two fullbacks.

The win will have a major ripple effect atop Serie A, with Juventus leaping back into the top four. They're five points behind third-place Atalanta and eight behind Inter. If Inter would have won on Sunday, they could have leapfrogged Napoli at the top of the league, but now remain two points behind the league-leaders.

McKennie was handed the captain's armband just days after scoring a stunner against PSV in the Champions League. His midweek performance earned him praise from Juve manager Thiago Motta, who feels the American is now indispensable.

"Weston is special. He is a great player, a great guy," Motta said "He has played fullback, holding midfielder, attacking midfielder, winger. He's a top-level player. When I say that a top-level player can play everywhere, it’s because I know what I’m talking about. I’ve been in football for many years. When you ask where players should play, it’s not something that concerns me.

"Weston plays everywhere, and he has to be on the field. It’s hard for me to leave him out. Maybe not as a goalkeeper, but in every other position, it’s difficult to put him on the bench. That’s what being a top-level player means.”

Juventus have now won four straight matches in all competitions. The midweek win over PSV will be key as they head into their next match as they look to protect their 2-1 advantage heading into the return leg in the Netherlands.