Juventus piles pressure on Inter with win over Roma
A single goal from Adrien Rabiot was enough to see Juventus finish 2023 with a vital 1-0 win against Roma, the victory moving the Bianconeri to within just two points of Inter Milan at the top of the Serie A table.
Rabiot scored two minutes into the second period to put Juventus in front, putting home a backheel assist from Dusan Vlahovic to the delight of the home fans.
Roma contributed plenty in a lively match, with Paulo Dybala's return from injury providing much of its attackng threat. Indeed it was Juve's failure to clear a corner from the Argentina star that led to Bryan Cristante firing a crisp volley towards goal in the fourth minute, but his effort smashed against a post having been deflected.
Roma's remaining chances were mostly speculative at best in the first half, but so too were those of the home side, Vlahovic trying his luck from long ranges on a number of occasions, but never sending his shots on target.
In the end, though, it was his delicate assist that broke the deadlock, backheeling the ball into the path of Rabiot, who had a finish in him to give Juve a lead it would not relinquish.
Federico Chiesa had the ball in the back of the net for Juve again late in the game, but despite the Italian's protests, it was ruled out after an offside flag had been raised.
