Relegation battlers SPAL hold Juventus to scoreless draw

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:33 am

Gonzalo Higuain's goal in the 59th minute lifted AC Milan past F91 Dudelange on Thursday in Europa League action.
Gonzalo Higuain's goal in the 59th minute lifted AC Milan past F91 Dudelange on Thursday in Europa League action.
AP Photo/Olivier Matthys

Juventus missed the chance to go seven points clear at the top of Serie A after being held to a 0-0 draw at struggling SPAL.

The leaders moved five points ahead of closest challengers Napoli despite failing to find the target in Ferrara against opponents who rarely provided a threat on the visitors' goal.

Juventus went close to taking the lead after 11 minutes through Alex Sandro's effort after being played in following a fine run by Douglas Costa.

Paulo Dybala then fired a curling left foot shot just wide of the post as Juventus against pushed for the opener.

Miralem Pjanic saw his shot charged down and Dybala then sent his free kick just over on the stroke of half-time.

The visitors went close again after 55 minutes when defender Giorgio Chiellini went on a run to set up Dybala but the striker shot narrowly wide.

Try as they might Juventus just could not break down their resolute opponents who are fighting for their Serie A survival, the point taking them out of the bottom three.

Napoli can now cut Juventus' lead at the top of Serie A to two points if they beat Genoa on Sunday.