Juventus fail to regain top spot after Udinese draw

Juventus failed to return to top spot in Serie A on Wednesday after they were held to a 0-0 draw away at third-placed Udinese. The Old Lady of Turin trail AC Milan - 2-0 winners over Cagliari on Tuesday - on goal difference while Udinese are two points behind that duo. Lazio could make it a four way fight at the top if they beat mid-table Chievo later on Wednesday and join Udinese on 32 points. Juventus had the better chances of an entertaining match - Claudio Marchisio scraping the bottom of a post as early as the eighth minute with a rasping shot with the outside of his right foot. Udinese, though, were fortunate to find Juve's frontman Alessandro Matri off form and he was replaced after 70 minutes. Udinese's Slovenian goalkeeper Samir Handanovic also played his part blocking Matri's effort in the 18th minute - beautifully set up by Italy veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo - and saved a header from Giorgio Chiellini in the 52nd minute. The hosts preferred to sit back and hit Juventus on the break, Brazilian Danilo Larengeira heading just over the bar in the 57th minute while Matri's opposite number "Toto" Di Natale was also having an off night. However, despite their managing to hold Juventus at bay their tactics and positioning did not please their coach Francesco Guidolin and eventually his antics got him sent from the touchline in time added on. On Tuesday an own goal by Francesco Pisano and one from Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the hour were enough to give champions AC Milan the three points and send them top.

Source: AFP