Gervinho matches Ronaldo double as Parma frustrate Juventus

World
Europe

‍Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice but promoted Parma's late double hit back from 3-1 behind on Saturday to draw 3-3 at Serie A champions Juventus who dropped points for only the third time in the league this season.

The result allows Napoli to cut the gap on the leaders to nine points after a confident 3-0 win over Sampdoria.

Juve, hit by injuries to defenders Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli, have now conceded six goals in their last two matches.

But they still have a comfortable nine-point lead over Napoli with Inter Milan 20 points behind in third.

Serie A match between Juventus and Parma, in Turin, Italy, February 2, 2019. /VCG Photo

"It doesn't change anything, but we must not take anything for granted," said head coach Massimiliano Allegri, "We were too light in defense. It was the first time this back four had played together."

Juventus lined up with an inexperienced back line of Leonardo Spinazzola alongside Uruguay defender Martin Caceres who got his first start since moving from Lazio.

Juve went ahead in the 36th minute when Ronaldo collected Blaise Matuidi's pass in the penalty area and, although slipping, managed to produce a shot which deflected off a defender and beat Luigi Sepe.

Juventus were awarded a penalty for a foul on Martin Caceres at the end of the first half, but the referee revoked it after a reviewing it on the pitchside monitor.

Daniele Rugani put Juventus 2-0 ahead in the 62nd minute after a series of ricochets, Antonino Barilla headed one back two minutes later, and Ronaldo restored Juve's two-goal lead with a towering header in the 66th minute. Ronaldo's double made him Serie A's leading scorer with 17 goals.

Gervinho of Parma celebrates with the supporters after drawing 3-3 with Juventus in Turin, Italy, February 2, 2019. /VCG Photo

Former Arsenal and Roma forward Gervinho reduced the arrears again by turning in Juraj Kucka's low cross with a clever back-heeled flick at the near post in the 74th minute.

Deep into stoppage time, Juventus failed to clear the ball, and Roberto Inglese forced his way to the goal-line and pulled the ball back for Gervinho, who scored with a shot which Mattia Perin got his hand to but could not stop.

(With input from Reuters and AFP)