Juventus batter Bologna to close gap at top

A raft of injuries meant Juve's side practically picked itself, with four youth team players on the bench.

A tough few days, which included a public spat between striker David Trezeguet and coach Claudio Ranieri, looked to have taken their toll midway through the first half when fifth-bottom Bologna opened the scoring.

Massimo Mutarelli nutmegged goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon after former Juve striker Marco Di Vaio played him in with a superbly disguised pass.

The hosts hit back early in the second period when Hasan Salihamidzic expertly headed in Giovinco's corner and the 22-year-old wide man then grabbed a deserved goal when he sliced the ball in after Vincenzo Iaquinta's layoff.

Alessandro Del Piero, who hit the woodwork twice, lashed home a third on 75 minutes before tapping in a late fourth but Giovinco was easily the man of the match.

Champions League hopefuls Genoa earlier moved above Fiorentina into fourth spot when substitute Ruben Olivera secured a 1-0 win at 10-man Cagliari.

The striker headed in from close range after 85 minutes to break Cagliari's brave resistance after the Sardinians had midfielder Andrea Cossu harshly sent off for a second booking before the break.