Shock defeat for Juventus

MILAN (AP):

GiampaoloPazzini’s late penalty gave Hellas Verona a surprise 2-1 win over Serie A leaders Juventus yesterday despite Cristiano Ronaldo setting another record.

The result means Inter Milan can move back level with Juventus if they win the derby against AC Milan today.

Ronaldo became the first Juventus player to score in 10 successive matches, but his goal was cancelled out by Fabio Borini, then Leonardo Bonucci gave away a penalty which substitute Pazzini converted four minutes from time.

The stadium erupted into cheers at the final whistle and Verona, who were promoted last season via the Serie B play-offs, moved into sixth.

Verona started the brighter, and Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny had to pull off a stunning save to fingertip Davide Faraoni’s effort over the crossbar. On the resulting corner, Matteo Pessina’s volley flew just wide.

Home goalkeeper Marco Silvestri also did well to push Douglas Costa’s shot off the underside of the crossbar.

Verona thought they had the lead but the header by Marash Kumbulla, on his 20th birthday, was ruled out for offside after video review.

Ronaldo, who earlier hit the post, gave Juventus the lead in the 65th minute. He started his run from inside his own half, played a one-two with Paulo Dybala in midfield then held off the recovering defender to fire into the bottom left corner.

Ronaldo, who turned 35 on Wednesday, has 15 goals in his past 10 league matches, taking him to 20 for the season.