Juventus were able to extend their unbeaten run to 48 league games with a controversial victory over a hard done by Catania side.

The opening exchanges of the fixture, were largely dominated by Juventus who looked to secure there eighth win of the campaign early. Their first sight of goal came on the third minute through Arturo Vidal, whose long range effort was parried away by Catania goal keeper, Andujar. A second chance for the visitors presented itself just two minutes later; after an exquisite ball inside Marchese found Lichsteiner, but his low cross to the near post was just unable to find the onrushing Nicolas Bendtner.

After Juve's spell of dominence, Catania began to grow into the game, utilising their wing backs exceptionally well during counter attacks. An opportunity was carved open by Catania after some lackadaisical defending on the right hand side of the Juventus defence. The home sides newly adopted 3-5-2 system caused problems for La Vecchia's Signora's backline, and their firrst clear cut chance of the game; resulted in, what should have been a goal.

Bergessio's two yard tap in on the 25th minute mark looked to have given Catania the lead, but was controversially disallowed by linesman Luca Maggiani. The extra offical, after much deliberation, adjudged that when Spolli's flicked header on at the edge of the area came back off the upright, Bergessio was offside; however replays showed that the Catania man was played onside by Kwadwo Asamoah.

This misinformed decision sharpened the studs of the aggrieved Catania players who ended the half with five of their players receiving bookings.  

La Vecchia Signora attempted to capitalise on the confusion and irritaion in the Sicilian ranks via Mirko Vucinic. Legrottaglie was forced into a last ditch challenge after a mix up involving his two defensive, let the Montenegran international through one on one with the keeper. Mirko Vucinic once again was halted by superb individual play by a Catania man. When the ball was chipped into Nicolas Bendtner and then headed down into the path of his striking partner, a one nil lead looked a certainty; but Vucinic's three yard volley was clawed from the line by the irrepressable Andujar, and the first half finished scoreless.

The deadlock was finally broken just twelve minutes after the interval, by the Juventus midfielder, Arturo Vidal. After Bendtner missed a guilt edged one on one, Andujar's parried save fell to Vidal who comfortably carressed the ball into the bottom corner. To enrage the Catania faithful even more however, when Vucinic played Bendtner through on goal, the Denmark international looked to be marginally offside.

Things went from bad to worse on the 66th minute for the home side, when Marchese was given a second yellow for a handball. This marked the end of Catania's threat to Juventus' unbeaten run.

Pogba and then Giovinco, were able to threaten the Catania goal near the end of the game. Paul Pogba's chance came from a Pirlo set piece which found the teenager unmarked at the back post; but Andujar made a miraculous save to prevent Pogba from scoring his second goal in seven days. 

Substitute Sebastion Giovinco, missed the final opportunity of the game; after beating two Catania player his attempted finesse finish went narrowly over the bar.

This vicory at the Stadio Angelo Massimino leaves Juventus in pole position of the Serie A standings whilst Catania are in 9th place.

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About the author
Jack  Gallagher
Member of the VAVEL writing team since June 2012, and became editor-in-chief of the UK edition in June 2013. English and History at QUB.