Juventus labored to a 1-0 victory over plucky Genoa as a well taken strike by Douglas Costa in the first half closed the gap to one point on leaders Napoli at the Serie A summit.
Both sides headed into this league encounter at Juve's Allianz Stadium in encouraging form. The home side were undefeated in their last six, having won five and drawing the other. Although lying in 15th, Genoa were on a decent run themselves having won three of their last six and they hadn't conceded in their last four Serie A games. Nevertheless, the 2-0 Coppa Italia defeat to Juventus just before Christmas would still be fresh in Il Grifone's minds.