Sampdoria 1-3 Juventus: Alvaro Morata scores twice for visitors

Alvaro Morata scored twice as Juventus beat Sampdoria to maintain their grip on fourth place and stay in touch in the Serie A title race.

Maya Yoshida's own goal gave Juventus a 23rd-minute lead and Morata's first-half penalty put the visitors in control at half-time.

Wojciech Szczesny saved a penalty from Antonio Candreva but Abdelhamid Sabiri gave the home side a late lifeline.

Morata's headed second secured victory with two minutes remaining.

The win leaves Juventus four points behind leaders AC Milan, who play Empoli later on Saturday.

Massimiliano Allegri's side are nine points ahead of fifth-placed Atalanta, who have played two games fewer, in the race for a Champions League place.

Formation 4-1-2-1-2

Formation 4-4-2

Match ends, Sampdoria 1, Juventus 3.

Second Half ends, Sampdoria 1, Juventus 3.

Corner, Sampdoria. Conceded by Matthijs de Ligt.

Attempt blocked. Francesco Caputo (Sampdoria) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Antonio Candreva.

Arthur (Juventus) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

Foul by Abdelhamid Sabiri (Sampdoria).

Attempt missed. Antonio Candreva (Sampdoria) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Abdelhamid Sabiri.

Corner, Sampdoria. Conceded by Daniele Rugani.

Attempt missed. Morten Thorsby (Sampdoria) right footed shot from the left side of the six yard box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Francesco Caputo with a headed pass following a corner.

Corner, Sampdoria. Conceded by Alex Sandro.

Goal! Sampdoria 1, Juventus 3. Álvaro Morata (Juventus) header from the left side of the six yard box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Manuel Locatelli with a cross.

Alex Sandro (Juventus) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

Foul by Sebastian