Juve on brink of title after win over Bologna

AFP  |  Milan 

sparked an emphatic comeback as Juventus closed in on a seventh successive title by recovering from a goal down to beat Bologna 3-1.

However, an own goal from visiting defender on 52 minutes allowed Juventus to draw level before Costa supplied and then for two quick goals to seal the victory.

Juventus's six-year reign in looked under threat a fortnight ago when Napoli snatched a dramatic 1-0 win over Massimiliano Allegri's side, but last week's late heroics in left the giants once again in charge of the title race.

After Juventus threatened through and Alex Sandro, Bologna grabbed a surprise lead when pounced on a sloppy pass from Gianluigi and was fouled in the area by

striker Verdi calmly rolled the spot-kick past to send Bologna ahead on 30 minutes and quieten the expectant Stadium.

The introduction of Brazilian Costa for at half-time triggered an electrifying response from the home team and Juventus hit back when De Maio sliced an attempted clearance into his own net.

Bologna nearly regained the lead after a defensive lapse left alone in front of Buffon, the veteran keeper producing a marvellous fingertip stop to divert the ball onto the upright.

- Costa makes his mark - ========================

That served as a wake-up call for Juventus who went ahead on 63 minutes as Costa's deep cross floated over a flapping Mirante and was stroked home at the far post by Khedira.

Another surging Costa run down the left produced his side's third goal six minutes later when his low cross was brilliantly dispatched first-time by Dybala for his 22nd goal of the season.

Juventus can clinch the title on Sunday if Napoli lose to mid-table Torino, otherwise victory in one of their final two matches -- away to Roma and at home to relegated -- would also be enough.

Earlier, AC climbed back into the places with a 4-1 home win over that consigned the visitors to an immediate return to Italy's second division.

First-half goals from and allowed Gennaro Gattuso's side to grasp control at the San Siro, where were beaten 1-0 by lowly Benevento in their last home game.

added a third just after half-time with South Korean grabbing a consolation for before completed the rout in the final minute.

Milan moved up to sixth, two points clear of Atalanta who travel to on Sunday, although they could also qualify directly for the by beating Juventus in the Italian Cup final on Wednesday.

Verona suffered their fifth successive defeat, a run of results that has left them seven points adrift of safety with just two matches to play and confirms their relegation to alongside Benevento.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Sun, May 06 2018. 09:45 IST