Juventus vs. Bologna: Score, Ratings and Post-Match Reaction
Juventus edged a step closer to the Serie A title with a battling 1-0 win over Bologna.
It wasn’t Juventus’ best performance of the season, far from it if truth be told, but Paul Pogba’s goal was enough to seal the three points.
"Paul Pogba: MotM vs Bologna, Rating 8.8, Shots 7, Goals 1, Key passes 1, Clearances 2 @juventusfc pic.twitter.com/fROwpyN7u9
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) April 19, 2014"
Ahead of Roma’s clash with Fiorentina later on Saturday, Juventus now hold a commanding 11-point lead in the title race.
Pogba was the hero, but he had the potential to be the villain of the piece in the first half.
On five minutes, he strode into the box but his shot lacked conviction and Gianluca Curci made a save with his feet.
Shortly afterwards, Pogba had a great chance when rising high to meet a corner, but he could not direct his header on target.
Curci kept Bologna on level terms shortly before the interval when getting down well to deny Claudio Marchisio.
The keeper made a stunning save to foil Mauricio Isla six minutes into the second half, but he could not keep out Pogba’s effort on 64 minutes.
A loose ball fell at the feet of the Frenchman and he smashed a low shot into the bottom corner.
Juventus were frustrated by a Bologna side just one place above the drop zone, but Giorgio Chiellini said they were never going to take their foot off the gas.
".@chiellini: "We just needed to up the pace after the break. We knew Bologna were a well organised team but we got the win we deserved."
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) April 19, 2014"
Juve celebrated their 17th home league win out of as many games like champions. They cannot claim the title even if Roma are beaten in Florence, but it will surely come their way in the coming weeks.
That is certainly the view of Chiellini, who is intent on securing the hat-trick of titles.
".@chiellini: "It was an extremely important win. There are just four games to go and we want this third consecutive title at all costs."
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) April 19, 2014"
| Player | 1st half | 2nd half |
| Buffon | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Barzagli | 6 | 6 |
| Ogbonna | 6 | 7 |
| Chiellini | 6 | 7 |
| Isla | 7 | 7.5 |
| Pogba | 8 | 9 |
| Pirlo | 7.5 | 7 |
| Marchisio | 7 | 7 |
| Asamoah | 5.5 | 5 |
| Llorente | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Giovinco | 7 | 7.5 |
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