Khedira scores winner as Juventus beat Lazio

Sami Khedira hit a second-half winner as champions Juventus made it two wins from two at the start of the new Serie A season with a 1-0 victory away to Lazio on Saturday.

Juventus, who started their title defence with a 2-1 win over Fiorentina last week, were kept on a tight rein by Simone Inzaghi’s hosts throughout a first half of few chances at the Stadio Olimpico.

But less than a minute after record summer signing Gonzalo Higuain came off the bench to replace Mario Mandzukic midway through the second period, Germany midfielder Khedira was set up by Paulo Dybala and beat Federico Marchetti at the ‘keeper’s far post.

With Higuain still lacking fitness, the Argentine striker started on the bench for the second consecutive week, just as coach Massimiliano Allegri had said he would on the eve of the game.

Germany midfielder Sami Khedira scored for the second successive week with a low drive in the second half.

Gonzalo Higuain, signed for £75.3m in the summer, came off the bench moments before Khedira's goal.

Lazio, who had won their opening game of the season last week, wore a message of remembrance for the victims of the earthquake that hit Italy on Wednesday.

The death toll from the quake currently stands at 290.