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Juventus extend lead at top of Serie A with commanding win

Reigning champions Juventus extended their lead at the top of Serie A over Roma to seven points with a 3-0 win against lowly Pescara in Turin.

The Bianconeri made several changes on the return to domestic action following the international break and ahead of Tuesday's crunch Champions League showdown against Seville, with the likes of veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, midfielder Miralem Pjanic and right-back Dani Alves all rested.

There was also a late debut for 16-year-old forward Moise Kean.

Juve, though, were still far too strong for third-bottom Pescara, as the Delfini were swept aside following goals from Sami Khedira and two in the space of six second-half minutes from Mario Mandzukic and Hernanes.

With Roma not in action until their trip to Atalanta on Sunday, Massimiliano Allegri's side looked to make an early impression.

Gonzalo Higuain went close with a header wide before Brazilian midfielder Hernanes sent a long-range effort off target.

Pescara, though, then almost took a shock lead on 24 minutes after Gianluca Caprari raced onto a long ball, but stabbed wide.

Juventus went ahead on 36 minutes when Khedira slotted in following a neat exchange with Mandzukic in the penalty area.

Any hopes of a recovery by the visitors were ended when Juve netted a quick-fire brace mid-way through the second half.

Mandzukic bundled the ball in from close range after a header from Khedira dropped to him in the six-yard box, with Pescara appealing for an offside flag which never came.

Hernanes wrapped things up on 69 minutes when the Brazilian crashed the ball into the right corner from 25 yards.