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Bonucci saves Juventus' blushes in rare league stalemate

Reuters / Alberto Lingria

Milan - Leonardo Bonucci's second-half leveller saved Juventus' blushes a day after Roma virtually conceded the title, as the champion was held to its first Serie A draw in over a year at Udinese.

Juventus, aiming for a record sixth consecutive Scudetto, was given a push in the right direction on Saturday when Roma's 2-1 home defeat to Napoli gave the Turin giant the chance to pull 10 points clear.

But in a cagey performance at the Stadio Friuli, filled to the brim for the visit of the 32-times Italian champion, Juve failed to capitalise, settling for its first draw of the campaign and its first in Serie A since drawing with Bologna in February 2016.

Juve remains top of the pile but is now eight points ahead of Roma, with Napoli third at 10 points off the pace.

Juventus was denied early penalty claims when Dani Alves, after pouncing on Gonzalo Higuain's smart delivery down the right, fired in a cross that appeared to come off the arm of Samir.

Referee Antonio Damato was unimpressed, and Juve suffered another blow minutes later when Duvan Zapata powered down the left, holding off Bonucci to fire under the body of Gianluigi Buffon as the 'keeper came out to block at his near post.

(Photo courtesy: Reuters)

But the home fans' hopes of seeing Udinese hold on for a famous win were dashed on the hour.

Juventus won a free kick and when Paulo Dybala fired an inviting delivery towards the back post, Bonucci got between Silvan Widmer and Stipe Perica to head past Orestis Karnezis.

Fans endured a scary moment when Emil Hallfredsson landed awkwardly on his head and neck after a mid-air challenge with Medhi Benatia, although the Icelander played on following treatment.

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