SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

'Derby of Italy' joy as Juve go four points clear

TURIN, Italy, Feb 28 (Reuters) – Leonardo Bonucci and Alvaro Morata were on target as Juventus defeated Inter Milan 2-0 in the 'derby of Italy' to open a four-point lead at the top of Serie A on Sunday.

'Derby of Italy' joy as Juve go four points clear
(Reuters)

2 min read

Published

Source: Reuters


Skip to article content

Bonucci scored for the hosts from close range in the 47th minute after Inter's Danilo D'Ambrosio made a horrid mistake by heading Paulo Dybala's free kick across his own goal.

Substitute Morata added the second goal from the penalty spot after being tripped by Joao Miranda with six minutes to go.

Juve now have 61 points from 27 matches, four more than second-placed Napoli who travel to Fiorentina on Monday, and remain on course for a record fifth consecutive 'Scudetto'.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"We absolutely had to win," Bonucci told Italian television. "Two consecutive draws would have been too many, we had to win to send out a message.

"We haven't put pressure on Napoli, we are the leaders so

we only care about our own results."

Roberto Mancini's inconsistent Inter are fifth on 48 points, four behind fourth-placed Fiorentina and five adrift of AS Roma who are third.

After defeating title rivals Napoli 1-0 on Feb. 13, Juve's club record 15-game winning streak was halted by last weekend's draw with Bologna.

Massimiliano Allegri's men dominated the opening stages on Sunday with Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and former Inter midfielder Hernanes going close in the first 45 minutes.

The visitors adopted a defensive approach and fell behind after Bonucci's far-post finish. Morata then made it 2-0, two minutes after coming on to the field.

"We now have one less obstacle on our road to the title," said Allegri. "The more games we win, the less we will still have to do."

The sides meet again in Milan on Wednesday in the second leg of the Italian Cup semi-final, with the league leaders holding a 3-0 advantage.

(Writing by Ed Dove; Editing by Tony Jimenez)


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world