Milan: Douglas Costa sparked an emphatic comeback as Juventus closed in on a seventh successive Serie A title by recovering from a goal down to beat Bologna 3-1 here, Saturday.
Juventus entered the game in Turin with a four-point lead over chasing Napoli and just three matches of the season to play, but the hosts fell behind to a first half penalty from Bologna’s Simone Verdi.
However, an own goal from visiting defender Sebastien De Maio on 52 minutes allowed Juventus to draw level before Costa supplied Sami Khedira and then Paulo Dybala for two quick goals to seal the victory.
Juve’s six-year reign in Italy 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 here left the Turin giants once again in charge of the title race.
After Juventus threatened through Gonzalo Higuain and Alex Sandro, the visitors grabbed a surprise lead when Lorenzo Crisetig pounced on a sloppy pass from Gianluigi Buffon and was fouled in the area by Daniele Rugani. Italy striker Verdi made no mistake from the spot.
The introduction of Brazilian Costa for Blaise Matuidi 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.
In the 63rd minute 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 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 Verona – would also be enough.
Agence France-Presse
