SIMONE ZAZA’S LATE strike earned Juventus a dramatic 1-0 victory over Napoli that saw them go top of the table for the first time this season after last night’s showdown in Turin, extending the reigning champions’ winning streak in Serie A to 15 games.
Massimiliano Allegri’s men knew they would leapfrog their opponents with maximum points, but were unable to break down the Napoli defence right until Zaza netted in the 88th minute with what could be a crucial goal in the title race.
Substitute Zaza tried his luck with an opportunistic shot from outside the box and saw his attempt take a deflection off Raul Albiol to leave goalkeeper Pepe Reina unsighted.
Plenty of spectacle was expected with two of the league’s most in-form attackers on the pitch in Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala, but neither managed to make the difference.
Higuain came close once before the break after a good cross from the right, only for Leonardo Bonucci to frustrate him with a sublime defensive action.
Dybala, meanwhile, got arguably the best chance of the game prior to Zaza’s winner, but fired his shot over the crossbar from a dangerous position.
The result means Juve also ended Napoli’s eight-game winning league streak and go a point clear.
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