Juventus went 14 points clear of closest challengers Roma at the summit of Serie A following Saturday’s hard-fought 1-0 win over Palermo in Sicily.
The hosts came into the game on a six-month unbeaten run at the Renzo Barbera that stretched back to September and set to go about causing the reigning champions problems by edging possession throughout (53.6%).
But it was the Bianconeri who would go on and register a sixth consecutive victory without conceding over the Rosanero when a moment of Alvaro Morata magic, his seventh goal in Italy’s top flight, settled the tight encounter with 20 minutes to go.
The Spaniard’s special strike, his first from outside the area this season, inflicted an eighth defeat of the term on Giuseppe Iachini’s men who are now winless in their last four Serie A games.
Here’s a closer look at the numbers behind last night’s 19th domestic triumph of the campaign:
Three
Tackles won by the returning Andrea Barzagli who was making his first start for the club since May 2014.
Five
Crosses pumped into the Rosanero mixer by Stephan Lichtsteiner.
Five
Lay-offs that came courtesy of Fernando Llorente who looked to bring his team-mates into play.
13
Recoveries performed by Claudio Marchisio. Il Principino also created three chances and made six interceptions during a typically industrious display at the heart of midfield.
52
Percentage of territorial advantage registered by Massimiliano Allegri's men as they looked to camp themselves in the Palermo half and gain a foothold in the contest.
88
Total touches enjoyed by Giorgio Chiellini. Juventus’ vice captain, who was celebrating 250 league appearances for the club, kept play going by making 44 successful passes and threading five good long balls.
100
Serie A wins for defender Leonardo Bonucci in the famous black and white jersey. Milestone.