Alex Rounds Out Dominant Performance

Alessandro Del Piero was back in action this afternoon after almost a month out and quickly set about bombarding the Genoa goal. He came on for Valeri Bojinov in the second half and almost immediately set up two great chances for Mauro Camoranesi and Matteo Paro with a sly backheel before bringing a tough save out of the Genoa keeper.

Juventus were relentless throughout the game as they went in search of the opener and in the second half, their efforts were rewarded. Camoranesi latched onto a floated Raffaele Palladino cut-back and heading in from ten yards out.

Didier Deschamps acknowledged his side's slow start, as well as the risk of having to protect a one goal lead. He had this to say after the match:

"After a mediocre first half where we were a little slow, we pushed hard in the second and had a number of good chances. Their goalkeeper made some incredible saves, it's a shame as you’re always at risk at 1-0. [Bojinov] He has incredible ability, but he's young and he needs to improve his ball retention. He didn't have it in his legs today, he wasn't brilliant, but it wasn't just him, it was his team mates as well...at the beginning of the game we weren't quick enough. Palladino was out of position, it's obvious that there's no one like Nedved. It was important for [Del Piero] him to get used to the pitch again, it's a shame the goalkeeper denied him a goal on at least two or three occasions."

The win puts Juve at the top of Serie B, joint leaders with Bologna on 28 points, one above Piacenza. Napoli can leap over all three with a win on Monday. The Bianconeri next play on Friday when they host Cesena.

Juventus top Serie B after victory [CNN]

-ac