A controversial Arturo Vidal goal was enough to hand Juventus victory when the champions travelled to the Stadio Angelo Massimino on Sunday to take on a fiery Catania.
Juventus were not at the usual best during the first half but did create a few chances that perhaps on another day may have sent them into the lead.
Mariano Andujar, in the Catania goal, can perhaps be thanked by the Sicilian club for keeping the scores level after making numerous good saves, including one strong wristed block from a close range Mirko Vucinic attempt.
Catania surged forward on numerous occasions and when Gonzalo Bergessio reacted fastest to tap in at the far post, after a flicked on Giovanni Marchese ricocheted back off the post, the home fans erupted in ecstasy.
However moments later, after the referee had discussed the incident with his linesman on the near side, the goal was subsequently disallowed for offside. Replays later showed that indeed Bergessio was onside which left a bitter taste in the mouth of the Catania supporters.
Six yellow cards were brandished in a feisty first half but it eventually ended goalless.
Twelve minutes after the break, Juventus took the lead after Andujar pushed a Nicklas Bendtner shot into the path off Arturo Vidal who slotted home to hand the champions the lead. In a sickening note for the faithful home support, Bendtner’s initial shot appeared to be taken from an offside position but none the less, the goal stood.
In more bad news for the home side, Marchese was shown his second yellow card for deliberate hand ball marched off down the tunnel making Rolando Maran’s job even harder.
Catania really struggled after being reduced to ten men and Juventus held out to secure all three points.
