A strike from Carlos Tevez was enough to hand Juventus a 1-0 victory over Genoa and keep Massimiliano Allegri's men on course to lift the Serie A title.

The visitors came close to taking the lead as Leonardo Bonucci lost the ball deep in his own half, which allowed Mbaye Niang to curl an effort at goal, although his strike went narrowly past the post.

Juventus hit back with a good opportunity of their own as Arturo Vidal released the run of Fernando Llorente, who tried to slide a pass into the feet of Tevez, but Facundo Roncaglia was on hand to make an important interception in his own six-yard box.

The home side took the lead in the 25th minute when Tevez collected the ball 25 yards from goal and beat two defenders before hammering the ball past Mattia Perin from a tight angle, with the aid of the underside of the crossbar.

Just before the break, Juventus threatened again as Simone Padoin lifted the ball into the box from the left and Bonucci rose highest in the penalty area to direct a header at goal, but his effort clattered off the bar.

In the second half, the hosts were presented with the chance to add a second goal when Roncaglia brought down Roberto Pereyra in the box and a penalty was awarded. Tevez took the spot kick, but saw his shot saved by substitute keeper Eugenio Lamanna.

Lamanna made another fine stop minutes later as Llorente was afforded space and time in the area to drill an effort towards goal which looked to be creeping into the net, but the keeper and Juraj Kucka kept the ball from crossing the line.

Genoa pressed late in the game trying to find an equaliser, but the Juve defence proved to be resolute as the home side held out for the three points.