Cristiano Ronaldo brace sends Juventus four points clear in Serie A

A Cristiano Ronaldo brace gave Juventus a 2-1 win over Parma at the Allianz Stadium and sent Maurizio Sarri’s side four points clear of second-place Inter Milan.

The Bianconeri are looking to win their ninth successive Serie A title and have now won five in a row following their only loss in the league to Lazio.

A loss for Parma dents their chances of grabbing a European place as they sit in 7th place, two points behind 6th placed Cagliari.

The game started off with Juventus dominating and it was Ronaldo who had the first big chance of the game. The Portuguese superstar, who was 12/5 to score first, had a stinging shot saved by the keeper early on.

Sarri’s side were nowhere near their best as they were unable to fashion any great chances until two minutes before half-time.

It was Ronaldo once again at the forefront, cutting in from the left-hand side and unleashing a strike, which was deflected and went past the keeper to give Juve the lead.

The goal gave the Sarri’s men a boost in confidence as summer signing from Arsenal, Aaron Ramsey spurned a good opportunity to double the lead.

The second half started in a similar fashion as former Manchester City player Danilo struck a fierce effort from outside the box which the keeper managed to push onto the post.

However, Parma shockingly equalised in the 55th minute. Roberto D’Aversa’s side had barely created any meaningful chances but managed to take advantage from a corner.

Matteo Scozzarella delivered a pinpoint corner which substitutes Andreas Cornelius headed brilliantly past Wojciech Szczęsny.

The equaliser only lasted for three minutes as Ronaldo stepped once again for Juve. The 34-year-old swept in a cutback from Paulo Dybala to give Sarri’s side the lead again.

Parma had a couple of great long-distance efforts that forced Szczęsny into making some good stops to keep Juventus ahead.

Ronaldo had a late chance from a tight angle to make it three for him and the team but the keeper had it easily covered.

Sarri’s side next fixture is against his former club Napoli whereas Parma welcome Udinese.