Juventus edge Torino in Serie A derby to close poor run

Milan, Oct 26 (DPA) Juventus edged past Torino 1-0 late in a classic city derby to clinch a win that closed its poor run of two straight defeats in the Italian Serie A.

A second-half goal from their Brazilian striker Amauri pushed Juve on to 12 points from eight games Saturday night, while Torino remained rooted on five after a fourth consecutive defeat.

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Juve had seven players missing due to injuries and again relied on the Brazilian , who was on target also in mid-week as the black-whites beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League.

Amauri is now on five goals and trails Argentinian Mauro Zarate of Lazio and Fiorentina's Alberto Gilardino, both on six.

Juve's Mali midfielder Mohamed Sissoko opened with a fast but wide shot when he pounced on a lose ball on six minutes and saw Alex Calderoni punch away another fast shot five minutes later.

Calderoni proved to be a valid substitute for the injured Matteo Sereni producing two impressive saves on 21 minutes to deflect successive smashing shots from midfielder Marco Marchionni.

The Torino goalkeeper had no problems blocking an Alessandro Del Piero swerving free kick, but Juve's Alex Manninger on 34 minutes almost got himself in trouble when he ventured at the edge of the box risking to be stunned by wide a lob from Rolando Bianchi.

Juve's first-half dominance continued after the break and was rewarded on 48 minutes when Amauri burst on the left flank having the best of two defenders before firing past the onrushing Calderoni.

The goalkeeper this time bore some responsibility as the Brazilian's low shot passed under his body when he dove to try and block the ball.

There was trouble for Juve's defence in the following 15 minutes under Torino's pressing that resulted in a fruitless dominance in midfield and created a single chance with substitute Nicola Ventola.

Earlier Saturday, dogged Tuscany side Siena had to settle for a 1-1 draw against guests Catania, who retained a comfortable position in the Italian Serie A just one point behind leaders Inter Milan.