Juventus go top after scoring late to beat Monza 2-1 in dramatic Italian league encounter

ROME: Juventus moved to the top of the Italian league on Friday after a dramatic 2-1 win at Monza.

The Turin side led 1-0 for almost the entire game only to see Valentín Carboni equalize for Monza a minute into injury time.

However, the visitors reacted with aplomb and three minutes later Federico Gatti converted a cut-back from France midfielder Adrien Rabiot to give Juventus the lead again — and all three points.

The main action of the game until then came after 12 minutes. Monza goalkeeepr Michele Di Gregorio saved his team twice in quick succession, first from Dusan Vlahovic’s penalty and then again brilliantly from the rebound.

However, Rabiot rose to meet the resulting corner and power an unstoppable header into the net to give Juventus the lead.

The Turin giants are now unbeaten in nine league games.

The result lifts Juventus into first place in Serie A. They are a point ahead of Inter Milan, who play fourth-place and defending champions Napoli on Sunday.

Monza, who were promoted from Serie B last season and have surprised fans with their string of solid results, remain in 10th place with 18 points from 14 games.