Ronaldo nets rocket as Juventus posts easy win over Genoa

Rome

Chasing a record-extending ninth straight Serie A title, Juventus (72 points) restored its four-point lead over second-placed Lazio, which won 2-1 at Torino earlier on Tuesday. Since losing the Italian Cup final to Napoli in a penalty shootout, Juventus has won all three of its matches in the country’s top division league.

“We produced a ton of chances and scored three beautiful goals,” said Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri. “It shows that our physical condition is improving,” he added. Argentinian Paulo Dybala opened the scoring shortly after the break. He evaded three defenders before firing in a low shot that Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin, who is on loan from Juventus, could only get a weak hand on. Seven minutes later, it was Ronaldo’s turn. The Portuguese gathered a pass near midfield, charged towards the goal and unleashed a blistering effort from 22 yards into the top corner. It was Ronaldo’s first goal in open play of the restart after converting penalties in his previous two games. And, the goal raised his tally to 24 in 25 Serie A matches this season.

Not to be outdone, substitute Douglas Costa made it 3-0 by curling in a shot from beyond the area. Andrea Pinamonti then pulled one back for host Genoa from a tight angle.

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