On a wet night at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, late goals from Joao Cancelo and Cristiano Ronaldo secured a 2-1 win for Juventus over Lazio, after the hosts had threatened to end the Bianconeri’s unbeaten run in Serie A.
The Biancocelesti had taken a deserved lead early in the second period through an Emre Can own goal and will no doubt regret a number of missed opportunities to put the game beyond the Old Lady.
In a first-half full of energy and determination from the hosts, midfielder Lucas Leiva epitomised the spirit of the Biancocelesti, snapping into tackles and looking to pass quickly and positively.
Joaquin Correa was a constant threat, with an early surge into the Bianconeri box, ultimately resulting in the substitution of Leonardo Bonucci, who sustained an injury attempted to halt the attacker.
With Juventus, and particularly Emre Can, looking off the pace, Lazio drove forward at every opportunity and Wojciech Szczesny was forced into a number of saves. Most notably a fabulous one-handed effort to deny Marco Parolo.
However, it was Daniele Rugani who made the most crucial stop to keep the score level, hooking away a goalbound Ciro Immobile lob just before half-time.
After the break, the reigning champions showed more attacking intent, as Douglas Costa flashed a cross into the box just yards away from Cristiano Ronaldo, but Lazio remained up for the battle.
Then, on 59 minutes, fortune favoured the hosts, as a corner-kick was whipped into the Juventus box evading a number of players and headed down into his own net by German international Can.
Moments later Immobile found himself one-on-one with Szczesny but shot high and wide of the Juventus goal when expected to score in the moment that became the turning point of the match.
With 15 minutes remaining Federico Bernardeschi burst down the flank, laying the ball into Paulo Dybala, who’s low drive was palmed into the path of substitute Cancelo to fire in an equaliser.
As time ticked away the Spaniard was then fouled as he made his way towards another Bernardeschi cross, allowing the Portuguese frontman to stroke home from the spot.
With closest rivals Napoli drawing with AC Milan on Saturday, Juventus now have an 11 point lead at the top, whereas, the Biancocelesti remain outside of the European qualification places.
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com