Juventus 3-1 AC Milan: 5 Talking Points

Juventus capitalised on Napoli's slip-up to pull four points clear at the top of the Serie A table after comprehensively seeing off Milan 3-1 at the Allianz Stadium.

Paulo Dybala put the hosts ahead inside 10 minutes but the Rossoneri restored parity through skipper Leonardo Bonucci. However, some frustrating finishing kept the visitors from driving ahead despite creating numerous chances, and they were eventually made to pay as Sami Khedira and super-sub Juan Cuadrado bagged a goal apiece late on to put the tie to bed.

Here's what we learned from the game:

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#5 Paulo Dybala is the key against Real Madrid

Dybala's technical brilliance can undo Los Blancos

The Argentine wizard has time and again left fans wonderstruck with his precocious talent; something that was once again at full pelt here and ultimately inspired Juventus to a crucial victory.

Dybala, reinvigorated after two weeks of repose, took just eight minutes to stamp his authority on the game with a well-struck effort from outside the box. The goal -- his 17th of the season -- literally set the tone for the match as the 24-year old dazzled with his creative brilliance; unlocking the Milan defence with his quick and clever movements whilst also laying off for Khedira for his 10th assist in this Serie A.

On a night where Higuain was uncharacteristically quiet, Dybala stepped up to the plate and played a talismanic role to help his side out. With an important clash against Real Madrid in the Champions League coming up, Juventus need him to be at his best again; for he holds the key to overcome the two-time European champions.

#4 Milan's attitude against top sides has improved

Milan

weren't

intimidated by the Juventus side

Not until long ago did we see the Rossoneri approach a game against a top side in the league with a defeatist mindset which saw them give in meekly and concede defeat without really putting up a fight. All that's slowly changing under Gennaro Gattuso and the signs are there for all to see, especially after the 2-0 win over AS Roma in Rome.

Even though the odds were stacked heavily against them, Milan strained every sinew to pick up something from the match. Promising at the back and ferocious going forward, the visitors matched shoulders with their mighty rivals for long spell in the game and the equaliser by Bonucci was a reflection of their fearlessness. In fact, Milan mustered 10 shots in all - 5 of which were on target.

Despite the defeat, which really shouldn't be a surprise, Il Diavolo can take heart from the valiant fight they put up against the champions-elect, a testament to their changing attitude against top shouts in the division.

#3 Max Allegri's substitutions work wonders

Cuadrado came off the bench to score

Having seen his side struggle to exert dominance in the match, manager Allegri turned the complexion of the match with two terrific substitutions when he brought on Douglas Costa, first, followed by Juan Cuadrado, both of whom injected tremendous pace that bolstered Juventus.

The substitutions added more attacking impetus as Milan were pushed on the back foot. The Colombian, in particular, was bright going forward, drifting inwards to attract the attention of the defenders before putting a cross and dropping deep to retain the possession.

Having spent considerable time out - three months to be specific - with chronic pubalgia, this was a fine return to action for the 29-year old who capped the same off with an equally fine goal that didn't only put his side back in the lead but also stirred Juve on.

#2 Milan left undone by terrible profligacy

Milan cannot afford to waste chances in games like these

Now let's look at the flip side of their attacking verve - AC Milan although mustered 5 shots on target, only one found the back of the net even though another two or three should've too, pretty easily.

Having skillfully carved open the Bianconeri backline, the likes of Hakan Calhanoglu, Giacomo Bonaventura and Andre Silva all had gilt-edged chances. Whilst the Turkish saw his effort crash against the crossbar, Bonaventura had the goal gaping after evading his markers and instead of burying it, lofted his shot high enough to send the ball into row Z. The Portuguese striker, on his part, cut another frustrating figure in the box.

The way Milan created those chances deserve kudos, but they account for nothing if not made the most of it. A good chance to spring a surprise perhaps squandered due to the wastefulness, as Milan must learn to be more clinical in big games like this where there are chances aplenty.

#1 Juventus have the title in the bag

An unprecedented seventh Scudetto on the trot calling

Napoli's implosion at Sassuolo earlier in the day meant the Bianconeri had a golden opportunity to widen the gap to four points, and they did exactly what's written on the tin.

Despite not being assertive enough to keep Milan at an arm's length, the superior quality in Juve's ranks eventually made the difference and more importantly, got the job done.

The tides have now turned firmly against the Partenopei who stare down the barrel of another season ending agonizingly close to the title, but not really closing on it. And even if they have to negotiate a visit to Turin later this month and are left with a relatively easier home stretch of the campaign, four points look too big at this stage to bridge.

Barring a spectacular collapse, Juventus have the title in the bag; an unprecedented seventh in the row.