Simone Pepe grabbed a dramatic winner for Juventus against Lazio to keep them in the hunt for a top-four finish.
Dramatic victory ensures Bianconeri remain in top-four chase
Simone Pepe grabbed a dramatic winner for Juventus against Lazio to keep them in the hunt for a top-four finish.
Lazio are the current occupants of the fourth and final UEFA Champions League spot in Serie A, but remain just a point clear of the chasing pack following an agonising defeat with 10 men on Monday.
Pepe scored the only goal of the game at Stadio Olimpico three minutes from time to see Juve move to within four points of their opponents in the Italian top flight standings.
The hosts went into the game looking for their fifth consecutive league victory at home, while the Bianconeri were eager to bounce back from back-to-back draws against Fiorentina and Catania.
Lazio first tested Gianluigi Buffon in the second minute when Mauro Zarate's 30-yard effort was kept out by the Juventus goalkeeper.
Shortly after, Stephan Lichtsteiner crossed to Christian Brocchi and his strike from outside the area went just wide of the far post.
The Romans could have taken a 26th minute lead but Christian Brocchi's powerful header from Cristian Ledesma's cross was wide.
Pressure
Lazio kept up the pressure and almost went in front soon after the half-hour mark.
Sergio Floccari's left-footed attempt from the six-yard box was met by a fine save from Buffon.
Juventus struggled against Lazio's well-placed defence but did have an opportunity to score in the 36th minute.
Alessandro Matri surged inside the area and struck the ball towards the bottom right corner, however, Lazio goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was equal to the task.
The hosts replied before the break.
Brocchi fed Zarate inside the area and the Argentinian struck over the bar from a great position.
Juve played with a greater sense of urgency after the re-start and should have broken the deadlock in the 49th minute.
Relief
Andrea Barzagli found Del Piero inside the area and the Juve captain struck high and wide, much to the relief of the home crowd.
Brocchi then wasted a good opportunity as he struck from the heart of the area over the bar in what looked to be Lazio's first of the evening.
In the 73rd minute, Hernanes' bullet strike from 25 yards forced Buffon to fully stretch and clear for a corner.
Lazio suffered a setback when Ledesma was handed his marching orders for a late foul on Felipe Melo.
Juve scored soon after.
Luca Toni served Simone Pepe inside the area and his left-footed strike took a deflection off Lazio substitute Lionel Scaloni and beat Muslera.
Lazio, having enjoyed most of the possession and scoring chances, were stunned and walked off the pitch knowing they face a battle to keep hold of fourth place.
