Rabiot steers Juve past Roma to cut gap at the top

TURIN, Italy :Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot's second-half goal earned a 1-0 home win against AS Roma that took his side within two points of leaders Inter Milan in Serie A on Saturday.

Juve got the breakthrough two minutes after halftime when Frenchman Rabiot was left unmarked as he collected a flick from Dusan Vlahovic inside the box and calmly slotted home.

Juve finish the year in second place with 43 points from 18 games behind Inter, who drew 1-1 at Genoa on Friday and have 45.

Jose Mourinho's Roma are seventh with 28 points.

Roma displayed their attacking intent early on as Bryan Cristante's volley was deflected onto the post in the opening minutes.

Vlahovic then helped Juve get into the contest, creating several narrowly missed opportunities, including from an overhead kick near the half-hour mark.

Evan Ndicka made a crucial intervention for Roma just before halftime when he headed Filip Kostic's volley off the line.

Roma, who have staged several late comebacks to pick up points this season, struggled to create chances after going behind. Cristante's attempt from outside the box at the end, which was blocked, being the exception.

The hosts came close to extending their lead late on but Weston McKennie missed a clear chance from point-blank range as keeper Rui Patricio saved with his feet.

Federico Chiesa thought he had wrapped up the win just before the end after receiving a deflected ball inside the box and turning it into the net but he was flagged offside.