Cristiano Ronaldo sends Juventus nine points clear at the top of Serie A
Relive all the action from the Serie A fixture at the Allianz Stadium
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Cristiano Ronaldo scored the opening goal and helped set up the second as Juventus extended their unbeaten start in Serie A with a 2-0 win over promoted SPAL on Saturday.
Ronaldo's latest goal was his ninth in Serie A, matching Genoa's Krzysztof Piatek in the race for the golden boot.
The goal came near the half-hour mark when Ronaldo beat everyone to redirect in a free kick from Miralem Pjanic.
In the 60th, Ronaldo's pull back on the counterattack set up a shot for Douglas Costa, whose effort was swatted into the path of Mario Mandzukic who scored from the rebound.
Juventus moved nine points ahead of second-place Napoli, who host Chievo Verona on Sunday.
AP
What time does it start?
Juventus vs SPAL kicks off at 5pm (BST)
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on Eleven Sports 2 from 4:50pm.
Fans can also watch the match on Eleven Sports through iOS mobile and tablet apps as well as on Android mobiles.
Highlights will be shown at 3:30am on Eleven Sports 2.
Player to watch…
Cristiano Ronaldo: The 33-year-old has not played for Portugal since they were knocked out at the last 16 stage of the World Cup by Uruguay, but he has been a regular figure in the Juventus side this season. From 12 appearances, the former Real Madrid man has scored eight goals and registered five assists, including a first goal at the San Siro in the 2-0 win over AC Milan last time out. With tough fixtures against Inter Milan and Roma coming up, the Old Lady will require Ronaldo to keep his goalscoring form up against SPAL.
Form guide…
Juventus: DWWWLW
SPAL: LLWLLD
Odds…
Juventus to win: 1/8
SPAL to win: 19/1
Draw: 13/2
(Odds provided by 888 Sport)
Prediction...
Juventus 3-0 SPAL: Home win without too much fuss, you'd think.
46 min: Juventus 1-0 SPAL
Back underway at the Allianz Stadium. Which way will this one go? Will the ghosts of Genoa come back to haunt Juventus here?
52 min: Juventus 1-0 SPAL
Douglas Costa has reminded everyone of his quality tonight, and he goes ever so close to doubling Juventus' lead.
He rifles a free-kick from a tight angle onto the inside of the post, before Ronaldo, in an offside position, taps wide.
The former Bayern Munich man ventures forward in another solo run, but Gomis easily saves.
59 min: Juventus 1-0 SPAL
Not a great deal happening at the Allianz Stadium. Cristiano Ronaldo has been giving some advice to Mattia Perin, just as he did to Wojciech Szczesny at Milan before the Pole's penalty save.
SPAL have kept the ball well but have showed little adventure in the attacking third this half.
GOAL! Juventus 2-0 SPAL (Mandzukic 60')
Easy finish for the Croatian, his sixth of the season. Ronaldo breaks down the left and cuts the ball back to the excllent Costa.
The Brazilian's shot is spilled by Gomis and Mandzukic taps home the rebound.
65 min: Juventus 2-0 SPAL
Juventus seem content with this lead and that has seen a change in system, with Ronaldo now playing as the no.9 with Juve now playing on the break.
SPAL have been encouraged by the tactical shift though, and have won a couple of free-kicks in dangerous positions.
72 min: Juventus 2-0 SPAL
Cristiano Ronaldo has combined well with Costa today, and it nearly leads to the Old Lady's third of the evening, but Gomis manages to get down to save the Portuguese's low drive.
73 min: Juventus 2-0 SPAL
First substitution for the hosts, with the excellent Douglas Costa withdrawn for Blaise Matuidi.
78 min: Juventus 2-0 SPAL
He's trying everything here today is Cristiano Ronaldo, including acrobatics. He gets the ball after Pjanic fails to get a decent connection on Mandzukic's cross, but his self-set up effort is of no danger to Gomis.
83 min: Juventus 2-0 SPAL
No Costa no problem for Ronaldo. He combines with Cuadrado this time, but drags his effort wide of the far post. He holds his ankle worryingly after getting his shot away though.
He seems fine though and wins a free-kick in the next attack.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments