MILAN: Juventus failed to take top spot in Serie A from Inter Milan on Friday as Albert Gudmundsson’s second-half goal secured hosts Genoa a 1-1 draw. Massimiliano Allegri’s Juve closed the gap on Inter to one point but could fall four points adrift when the league leaders visit Lazio on Sunday. “When you have to kill the opponent, it has to be done, when you have important chances, you have to score,” Allegri told DAZN after his team extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches. “It’s an important point, let’s continue the positive streak.”

Juventus made a strong start and Federico Chiesa wasted a big chance midway through the first half when he fired over from close range. But the Italy international was given the chance to make amends just five minutes later from the penalty spot after a foul by goalkeeper Josep Martinez and Chiesa made no mistake. Juventus were caught out less than three minutes into the second period though as Icelandic forward Gudmundsson chested and volleyed home from seven yards out after a fine Genoa move.

The visitors struggled to break down their opponents but saw a golden opportunity to snatch all three points come and go in the 89th minute. A corner found its way to Bremer, but the Brazilian centre-back could only divert the ball towards goal with his knee and Martinez made an excellent save to tip the ball over the bar. Genoa held on for a crucial point which dragged them four points clear of the relegation zone and into 14th place. On Saturday, struggling reigning champions Napoli hosted Cagliari.

Meanwhile, coach Massimiliano Allegri still insists his side are outsiders for this season's Serie A crown. "Inter Milan are the favorites for the title," he said in Thursday's press conference ahead of Juve's trip to Genoa. Sitting two points behind Inter, a win would put them top at least for 48 hours ahead of Inter's potentially awkward trip to Lazio on Sunday. "We have no results objective for the end of the first half (of the season). It is of no use," said Allegri.

"We are focusing on our objective for the season which is qualification for the Champions League. "We have to keep our feet on the ground, take the matches one after the other and manage as best as possible the negative moments that may arise."

In spite of his team's good form at the moment, Allegri, as he has done all season, deflected the title talk to their rivals in Milan. "We know that Inter are the favorites for the title, the team was built to win their second star (for their 20th league title)," he insisted. Juventus are comfortably the most successful team in Italian history with three stars to their name, their 36th and most recent title coming in 2020. Allegri will be boosted by the presence of French international Adrien Rabiot who was an injury doubt earlier in the week after suffering a knock last weekend during the 1-0 victory at Napoli.- AFP