Juve steps closer to history

MILAN - Massimiliano Allegri hailed an "important step forward" as jittery Juventus edged closer to a record sixth straight scudetto with a 1-0 triumph at Sampdoria on Sunday.

"This is an important step forward because we have a very difficult end to the season," Allegri said after a 24th win of the campaign left the Turin giant eight points clear of Roma after its 3-1 win over Sassuolo later on Sunday.

"It was important to win here because as soon as we come back (after the international break) we face Napoli.