Half-Time Report: Arturo Vidal gives Juventus lead against Cesena

Juventus lead 1-0 at half time in their game with Cesena, but the Italian champions have had opportunities to add to their advantage.

The Bianconeri were ahead after 18 minutes after they were awarded a penalty for a handball by Emmanuel Cascione.

Arturo Vidal stepped up to take the subsequent spot kick and although Nicola Leali managed to get a hand to the shot, the Chilean's effort nestled in the back of the net.

The home side had looked the likelier to score in the opening minutes after dominating possession and enjoying more attacking opportunities than their opponents.

Moments before Cascione's handball, Juve almost took the lead when Sebastian Giovinco's free kick was met by the head of Angelo Ogbonna, but Leali was able to thwart the defender.

Massimiliano Allegri's team, looking to build on Saturday's 1-0 win against AC Milan, were rarely pressed in defence.

Indeed, Cesena's only attack of note in the opening 30 minutes came when Francesco Renzetti broke from full-back before squeezing in a cross, which Juve's defence turned behind for a corner.

Fernando Llorente perhaps ought to have extended their advantage when he met Patrice Evra's cross before blazing his shot wide from close range.

With the interval approaching, Giovinco unleashed a fizzing drive from the edge of the box that was inches away from finding the back of the visitors' net.

Juventus came into the game behind leaders Roma in the Serie A table on goal difference.