Pirlo-inspired Juventus back on top

Juventus moved two points clear at the top of Serie A after coming from behind to complete a 3-1 win against ten-man Calcio Catania.

Pablo Barrientos stunned Antonio Conte's side with a delightful fourth-minute strike, and the game was finely balanced even after Andrea Pirlo (22) levelled with a free-kick. However, once Marco Motta had been dismissed for the visitors, Giorgio Chiellini and Fabio Quagliarella made sure of the points for the still unbeaten Bianconeri.

In an open match Juventus might have taken the lead in the opening 60 seconds, Claudio Marchisio sending a free header over the bar, but it was Catania who edged in front when Barrientos curled a shot past Gianluigi Buffon.

Juve hit back midway through the first half when Pirlo − excellent throughout − scored his first goal for the club since his summer move from AC Milan. Both sides then hit the woodwork before half-time, through Quagliarella and Gonzalo Bergessio, and the furious tempo continued after the interval, Pirlo skimming the crossbar with another free-kick.

Catania were reduced to ten men after Motta − on loan from Juventus − was dismissed for a second bookable offence (65) and La Vecchia Signora took full advantage as Chiellini headed in another Pirlo set piece (74) and Quagliarella broke through to lob Tomás Kosický (81).