Juventus strengthen grip on top four with victory over Bologna in Serie A

Bologna managed to keep a clean sheet in the opening period across their prior nine away fixtures, however this evening Juventus shattered that sequence after a mere 90 seconds.

With the third incursion into Bologna's penalty area already behind them, it seemed inevitable that a breakthrough was imminent, and it arrived precisely when Francisco Conceicao rolled the ball to Pierre Kalulu, whose delivery was deftly nodded towards goal by Jonathan David.

Juventus believed they had extended their advantage ten minutes in, yet Conceicao's composed effort was ruled out for offside, and later the Portuguese forward was sent clear once more during the period, only to be thwarted by Federico Ravaglia's sharp stop.

The Turin outfit maintained their dominance and nearly netted again in the 34th minute, as a delivery was partially deflected to the box's perimeter, allowing Emil Holm to unleash a powerful half-volley that struck the bar.

Just prior to the interval, the lively Conceicao threaded a pass to David, but the Canadian's effort skimmed the target and went astray, leaving Bologna to head into the break still hanging on, with Tommaso Pobega's long-range shot their sole noteworthy attempt in the opening half.

Riccardo Orsolini unleashed a lively shot off target shortly after the break, evoking memories of the team that had scored in each of their preceding 14 road outings.

However Juventus swiftly regained command, and increased their margin twelve minutes post-resumption, after persistent probing led to substitute Khephren Thuram powering home Weston McKennie's assist with a header.

Five minutes on, Bologna squandered a prime opportunity to pull one back, as Nadir Zortea's grounded cross found Jonathan Rowe, whose strike rebounded off the upright.

The closing phase offered scant excitement around the posts, enabling Juventus to secure a comfortable win, allowing Luciano Spalletti to mark his two-year deal renewal by pushing their competition-winning streak to eight encounters.

Bologna forfeited the prospect of five straight away triumphs, although their sequence halting at this venue was scarcely shocking, considering their 30-match winless streak against the hosts.