Juventus leave it late against Catania

Juventus scored a stoppage-time winner against Catania this afternoon to extend their advantage over Napoli in Serie A to nine points.

Antonio Conte made six changes to his side for the home match and the Old Lady were on top in the early stages.

Giorgio Chiellini sent Andrea Pirlo's free kick over the crossbar before Mirko Vucinic forced a strong save from Mariano Andujar.

Vucinic stuck the foot of the post from close range soon after as the home side pressed for the opening goal.

Francesco Lodi and Claudio Marchisio both fired wide from distance as a tight match stayed goalless at the interval.

Just before the break Catania coach Rolando Maran was sent to the stands for dissent towards the fourth official after reacting angrily to a series of decisions.

Juve sent on Alessandro Matri, Fabio Quagliarella and Emanuele Giaccherini late on and it was the latter who provided the injury-time drama.

Catania defended doggedly but were finally beaten when Giaccherini met Paul Pogba's pass to net a vital late winner.