A brace from midfielder Arturo Vidal gave Juventus a 2-0 victory over Lazio in Rome to move another step closer to a second successive Serie A title for the Bianconeri. Juve came into the game knowing a win would put them 11 points clear at the top of the table while Lazio were looking to keep their slim chances of a Champions League place for next season alive.

The home squad welcomed Juventus to the capital’s Stadio Olimpico and also welcomed Miroslav Klose into the starting line up again after he was rested in the midweek Europa League defeat to Fenerbahce. Juventus meanwhile started with Mirko Vucinic as a lone striker with Claudio Marchisio in a more advanced midfield role providing the support in attack.

In a lively start both teams created chances and won corners early on and Juventus took the lead after only eight minutes from the penalty spot. Vucinic made his way into the box and was cynically brought down by Lorik Cana for a clear penalty which was coolly put away by Vidal who stepped up to put the visitors in front.

Juventus doubled their lead just before the half hour mark when after great link up play from Vucinic and Marchisio the ball fell kindly for Vidal to steer the ball home from 10 yards for his and Juve’s second of the night.

The visitors then had a good chance for a third goal after more good play from the impressive Vucinic and Marchisio put the Italian International in on goal put Cana got across to make a great block.

After the break Lazio were much improved and began to trouble Juve and Michael Ciani came closest to pulling a goal back for the hosts but he was denied by a great save from Gigi Buffon. Marchisio then had a chance for a goal that his great performance deserved but he couldn’t convert from close range.

There were few chances for both teams after this with Juventus showing no great desire to get forward looking for more goals as they seemed happy to sit on their two goal lead knowing Lazio were already becoming tired and looking out of ideas in attack. It became comfortable for the visitors with Marchisio beginning to drop deeper into midfield helping Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba dictate the tempo and direction of the game and the league leaders played out the rest of the game without needing to play anywhere near their best as Lazio looked a beaten side long before the final whistle.

A comfortable win in the end for Juventus as they move 11 points clear of Napoli at the top of the table as they continue their march towards the title with it only remaining to be seen how early they can wrap up the championship and begin the title party in Turin.