Ronaldo on song as Juve beat Frosinone

MILAN: Cristiano Ronaldo set up Paulo Dybala to score early and added one himself with defender Leonardo Bonucci also on target as Juventus surged 14 points clear in Italy’s Serie A on Friday with a 3-0 win over lowly Frosinone.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri was taking no chances, even against a side sitting second bottom of the table, ahead of next week’s Champions League last 16, first-leg tie at Atletico Madrid.

Dybala returned to the front line alongside Ronaldo and Mario Mandzukic with key defenders Bonnucci and Giorgio Chiellini both back from injury.

Juventus are building towards next week’s game in Madrid and a top-of-the table clash against Napoli in the San Paolo Stadium on March 3.

Juventus remain unbeaten this season but the reigning seven-time league champions had been held 3-3 by Parma two weeks ago.

Bonucci returned after three weeks out with an ankle injury along with captain Chiellini who limped off during their shock Coppa Italia exit on January 30.

Ronaldo set up Dybala to rifle in with his left foot after just six minutes in Turin as the Argentina forward, who has been overshadowed since the arrival of the former Real Madrid player, scored his first league goal since November 3.

Ten minutes later Bonucci broke through after a desperate goalmouth scramble.

Frosinone goalkeeper Marco Sportiello denied Mandzukic’s diving header with Bonucci in place to turn the rebound into goal.

Ronaldo slotted in his 19th Serie A goal and 21st in all competitions on 62 minutes with Rodrigo Bentancur crossing for Mandzukic who provided the assist for the Portuguese striker.

Ronaldo was then replaced by Federico Bernardeschi with the tie against Atletico in mind, with Sportiello denying Juventus a fourth goal keeping out a powerful Bernardeschi free kick.

AC Milan, in fourth, travel to Atalanta, one place below in fifth, on Saturday in a battle for Champions League football next season.

Napoli host Torino on Sunday, with Inter Milan, in third, hosting ninth-placed Sampdoria.

Roma play relegation threatened Bologna on Monday after winning their Champions League last 16, first-leg tie against Porto 2-1.