Goals: Del Piero 45'

In the day’s top match Juve, who are third, took the lead when Alessandro Del Piero rifled in a free kick just before halftime to hand his side victory in an open game.

Roma’s best chance came moments later when defender Nicola Legrottaglie diverted Rodrigo Taddei’s cross onto his own post.

“We go on the field with aggression and determination and today we have played a good match,” Del Piero told Sky.

Manager Claudio Ranieri took a risk by playing Del Piero, David Trezeguet and Vincenzo Iaquinta in a three-pronged attack and the gamble almost paid off early on with Iaquinta going close.

Juve were more defensive in the second period but Roma could only muster a few opportunities with Gianluigi Buffon saving Daniele De Rossi’s free kick.

Juve are now just a point behind Roma, who host Real Madrid in a Champions League last 16 first leg tie on Tuesday.

Juventus: Buffon; Zebina, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro; Camoranesi (Nocerino 46'), Zanetti, Nedved (Palladino 81'); Del Piero; Iaquinta, Trezeguet (Sissoko 68').

Roma: Doni, Cassetti, Ferrari, Mexes, Tonetto; De Rossi, Pizarro (Aquilani 73'); Taddei (Giuly 59'), Perrotta (Esposito 82'), Mancini; Totti.