Juventus extends its unbeaten streak
Associated Press
October 29, 2012 11:59 MYT
October 29, 2012 11:59 MYT
Defending champion Juventus extended its unbeaten Serie A streak to 48 games with a contentious 1-0 victory at 10-man Catania in which the Sicilian side had a goal disallowed.
Catania thought it had taken a first-half lead, but Gonzalo Bergessio's strike was ruled out after almost a minute of deliberation. The reason for the disallowed goal was not immediately clear — either offside or for a handling offence.
In the aftermath of the decision, Catania President Antonino Pulvirenti was banished from the bench and in the ensuing 5 minutes five of its players were booked as tension between the sides rose.
Then, Nicklas Bendtner appeared in an offside position in the buildup to Arturo Vidal's second-half goal for the Serie A leader. Giovanni Marchese was sent off in the 67th minute after receiving his second booking to cap a miserable day for Catania. The stadium rocked with chants of "Thieves! Thieves!" from the disgruntled Catania fans at the end of the games.
Napoli remained in second place, three points behind Juventus after Marek Hamsik's strike in a 1-0 win over Chievo Verona. Inter Milan was another point back after beating Bologna 3-1 on goals by Andrea Ranocchia, Diego Milito and Esteban Cambiasso.
Roma blew a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at home to Udinese. Erik Lamela scored twice in as 2 minutes, but Udinese drew level through goals from Maurizio Domizzi and Antonio Di Natale. Di Natale then stepped up to score on a late spot kick. Fiorentina missed a penalty, but beat nine-man Lazio 2-0.