Two second-half goals allowed Juventus to see off Empoli in a match characterised by a series of goal-scoring opportunities for the Serie A champion.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri rested Paolo Dybala and Sami Khedira, with defender Leonardo Bonucci returning to the starting line-up following his public bust-up with the coach last week. 

The Turin giants pinned Empoli back throughout the first half but squandered multiple chances to take the lead. 

Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic made up for a poor miss in the first half when he powered a header towards goal on 53 minutes. The ball rocketed against the crossbar but Empoli keeper Lukasz Skorupski was unable to keep the ball out as it bounced down towards him.

Juventus doubled their lead on 65 minutes thanks to an Alex Sandro goal. The full-back controlled a Dani Alves cross with his back to goal, turned and rifled a shot into the bottom corner of the net. 

The win means Juventus have a 12-point lead at the top of the Italian league, after Napoli lost to Atalanta at the San Paolo stadium earlier today. Roma can cut that lead to nine points if they beat Inter tomorrow evening. 

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