leonardo Bonucci's goal on his return to former team Juventus ultimately counted for nothing as the Bianconeri beat AC Milan 3-1 to move four points clear in Serie A on Saturday.
"It was pre-written," Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri said. "He scored on his return but Juventus won, no one could have imagined a better night."
Bonucci cancelled out Paulo Dybala's opener in the first half and Hakan Calhanoglu rattled the crossbar as Milan surprisingly outplayed the six-time defending champion.
But Juan Cuadrado and Sami Khedira struck late for Juventus.
Second-placed Napoli slipped further behind after drawing at Sassuolo 1-1.
Juventus drew at lowly Spal 0-0 last time out, and this will boost it ahead of the Champions league quarterfinal against Real Madrid on Tuesday.
All 10 matches were played on Saturday because of Easter.
JUVE JUMP AHEAD
Juventus got off to the perfect start when Dybala fired it in front with a powerful shot from outside the area in the eighth minute.
Andre Silva headed wide from six yards and Milan leveled in the 28th minute when Bonucci got between his former teammates Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini to head in.
It was Bonucci's first match at Juventus since his surprise exit in July after seven years at the club, and his every touch was met by jeers and insults. The Italy defender celebrated with a wash-your-mouth action.
It was the first league goal Juventus conceded this year.
Milan almost took the lead 10 minutes after the break as Calhanoglu's effort crashed off the crossbar and Gianluigi Buffon turned Suso's follow-up round the post.
Cuadrado was brought on for his first appearance of 2018 on the hour and he marked his return from injury with a goal 19 minutes later, heading in Khedira's cross.
Khedira got on the scoresheet himself three minutes from time following a low cross from Dybala. It was a blow for Milan, which slipped eight points off fourth place and the final Champions league qualifying berth — occupied by Inter Milan, which it faces in the derby on Wednesday.