Virus-hit Dybala still dangerous for title-chasing Juventus

Paulo Dybala remains as dangerous as ever despite nearly 50 days with coronavirus.

Cristia Ronaldo h alrey given Juventus an early vant by converting a penalty when Dybala doubled le with a splendid, curving effort in a 2-0 win at Bologna in Serie A restart for both clubs on Monday.

Resuming its chase for a record-extending ninth straight Italian league title, Juventus moved four points clear of Lazio, which visits Atalanta on Wednesday.

It was a welcome complete performance for Juventus after being held scoreless over two Italian Cup matches and losing final to Napoli last week  when Dybala's saved kick in penalty shootout proved key.

"It was essential to win," Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci said. 

"It was tough to restart after so long. Those two matches were underwhelming. This is right path. We need to have desire to bring home result at any cost."  Dybala was isolated for 46 days starting in March when he continued to test positive for virus week after week -- even though he was reportedly without symptoms. Dybala's girlfriend also tested positive.

"To tell you truth, I didn't really feel that great today," Dybala said. 

"But I'm happy that I played a great match. During time when I was idle I tried to stay in form by eating nutritiously. Ronaldo, meanwhile, continued to struggle from missed chances.

Matthijs de Ligt earned penalty that Ronaldo converted n also started play that led to Dybala's goal, which was set up by a backheel pass from Federico Bernardeschi.

From just beyond area, Dybala bent in a left-footed shot inside left post.

After break, Bernardeschi hit post from edge of area and Ronaldo was unable to finish on follow up.

Dybala also h ar chance with his right foot but just missed target.

Juventus finished with 10 men when second-half substitute Danilo picked up his second yellow card.

Beyond Ibrahimovic

AC Milan h problem producing goals without injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic in beating relegation-threatened Lecce 4-1. 

Samu Castillejo, Giacomo Bonaventura, Ante Rebic and Rafael Leo scored for Rossoneri, who were eliminated by Juventus in Italian Cup semifinals following a scoreless draw 10 days ago.

victory boosted Milan's chances of qualifying for Europe, moving level on points with sixth-placed Napoli, which visits Hellas Verona on Tuesday.

Lecce captain Marco Mancosu equalized temporarily by converting a penalty early in second half but Bonaventura and Rebic quickly restored visitors' vant in a span of three goals in four minutes.

Ibrahimovic, who injured his calf in training last month, is expected back soon. But his contract, which expires at end of season, is a source of debate.

Before kickoff, Milan director of football Frederic Massara said re will always be for champions like (Ibrahimovic)" but n ded club "needs to contain costs amid coronavirus pandemic.

Balotelli

Last-place Brescia drew at 10-man Fiorentina 1-1 without captain Mario Balotelli, who did t travel for game amid a dispute with club.

Alfredo Donnarumma converted a first-half penalty for Brescia and Fiorentina captain Germn Pezzella equalized with a diving heer before Martn Cceres picked up his second yellow card for Viola.

Franck Ribry played for Fiorentina for first time since v. 3 following an injury layoff.

All of games are being played in empty stiums. 

Im credits: AP