Higuain puts Juve on course for Coppa Italia final

Juventus took a step towards a fourth consecutive Coppa Italia triumph as Gonzalo Higuain's early goal earned them a 1-0 win at Atalanta in their semi-final, first leg Tuesday. Juve went ahead after three minutes when Argentine Higuain curled a shot into the net after slaloming through the defence. Atalanta's Alejandro Gomez then had a penalty saved by goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who was back after a two-month injury layoff, in the 25th minute after a handball.

.@G_Higuain: Man of the Match vs Atalanta - 9.07, Goals 1, Shots 4, Dribbles 11, Times Fouled 4, Aerials Won 1 @juventusfc pic.twitter.com/PHa2iKhyGY

— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) January 30, 2018

Higuain had the chance to make it 2-0 for the visitor but volleyed just over the bar shortly before Juve midfielder Blaise Matuidi missed the target with a fine curled shot. Buffon shone again when he denied second-half substitute Andrea Petagna three minutes from time to elevate Juve to the driving seat ahead of the second leg.RESULTAtalanta 0 1 Juventus (Higuain 3)  WEDNESDAY'S MATCHMilan v Lazio