Juventus 1 Roma 0: Medhi Benatia strike ensures reigning champions keep the pressure on Napoli
Central defender's effort means Juve are just one point behind Serie A leaders, who also secured a hard-fought victory
JUVENTUS beat Roma to keep the heat on Serie A leaders Napoli.
The defending champions took the lead through Medhi Benatia and held on despite missing a series of chances.
Juve are second on 44 points from 18 games - one behind Napoli, who beat Sampdoria 3-2.
Massimiliano Allegri's side dominated for long periods - stretching their perfect record against the capital club to seven matches.
Benatia drilled in an 18th-minute winner at the second attempt after Alisson parried a Giorgio Chiellini header and deflected the Morrocco star's follow-up on to the crossbar.
It was no more than Juve deserved as Sami Khedira and Mario Mandzukic missed early chances, while Gonzalo Higuain blasted a sitter over the bar shortly after the break.
Roma came to life in the latter stages as Edin Dzeko blazed his shot high and right-back Alessandro Florenzi struck the woodwork in the 81st minute.
Bosnia's footballer of the year Miralem Pjanic rattled the post for Juventus with a long-range effort in stoppage time.
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Roma substitute Patrik Schick missed a golden opportunity to snatch a point at the death.
The Czech raced clear of his marker and with only Wojciech Szczesny to beat, shot straight at the Juventus goalkeeper.