Giaccherini claims title-winning goal

Juventus winger Emanuele Giaccherini believes his goal against Catania could have sealed the league title.

Napoli have slipped to nine points behind Juve in the race for the Scudetto, while the Italian’s stoppage-time goal on Sunday propelled Antonio Conte’s men to a 1-0 win over their visitors on Sunday afternoon.

“I hope that my 92nd minute goal wins us the championship,” he told Sky.

“Of course now that we are on nine points up on Napoli, we might have to close the (Scudetto) discussion.

“I dedicate the goal to myself, because I showed that I can be ready when I’m called upon.”

Leonardo Bonucci praised his fellow defenders for preventing Catania from scoring and believes the win is a huge step towards triumphing in Serie A this season.

He said: “We celebrated three important points against a strong team like Catania, who have been shown to be a higher level than was thought earlier this year.

“Juventus have heart and that came out again in the final few minutes. It’s a major victory by exploiting Napoli’s defeat and increasing our advantage.

“Championships are won with a great defence, but it takes the assistance of the whole team. Today we defended great and we did not give anything to Catania, who had two strikers always looking for a fast break.”