Despite Cristiano Ronaldo having a penalty saved, Juventus ran out comfortable 3-0 winners over Chievo at the Allianz Stadium and regained their nine point lead atop the Serie A table.
A cold Monday evening in Torino meant only 30,000 spectators were in attendance to witness Juventus extend their unbeaten home record over the Flying Donkeys to 16 Serie A matches.
Juventus paraded the Supercoppa Italiana trophy before the match, and Douglas Costa opened the scoring with a rasping effort 13 minutes in, before Emre Can got number two just before half time. Stefano Sorrentino saved a Cristiano Ronaldo spot kick, but Daniele Rugani headed in the third late on.
First blood came Chievo’s way as Riccardo Meggiorini shot straight at Mattia Perin, while at the other end Cristiano Ronaldo dragged an effort well wide from a tight angle.
That was just a warning as Juventus took the lead soon after through Douglas Costa, who rifled a 30-yard strike into the bottom corner, leaving the outstretched Sorrentino with no chance.
It was almost two when Federico Bernardeschi ran the entire length of the Chievo half, and but for a last ditch challenge from Mattia Bani, would have slide the ball home.
With Juventus in complete control, Daniele Rugani headed over the crossbar, Ronaldo tested Sorrentino from distance, and Bernardeschi also forced the Chievo goalkeeper into a good stop with this feet.
Then, just before the break Can doubled the lead after Paulo Dybala wriggled through five Chievo defender and laid the ball into the Turk’s path. He then side-footed into the bottom corner.
The second half began with Sorrentino’s cat-like reflexes denying Alex Sandro from close range, then Ronaldo from the penalty spot after Bani handballed.
Chievo did have a few opportunities to reduce the deficit. First, Meggiorini, unmarked, headed straight at Perin, then Luca Rossettini forced the Juve keeper into a good stop with a shot from the edge of the penalty area.
Juve struggled extend their lead as Ronaldo put two half chances wide, while Sorrentino was again on hand to deny Bernardeschi.
However, Rugani leapt above the Chievo defence to head home a Bernardeschi freekick with six minutes remaining.
A GAME OF FIRSTS
While many point to Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals for Juventus – 14 so far – the supporting cast for the Bianconeri are looking to get some headline. Costa, Can and Rugani all getting their first strikes of the season for the Bianconeri, who rarely moved out of second gear against Chievo. Spreading goals around the team will be vital for Juventus, not so much in Serie A, but certainly in the Champions League, should Ronaldo not be on form.
