Ronaldo scored and also missed a late penalty in Juve’s 2-0 victory over Sampdoria in Turin, with the Portugal captain falling behind Lazio’s relentless striker Ciro Immobile in the battle for the top goalscorer award in Italy.

Ronaldo put Juventus ahead on the stroke of half-time with a superbly-worked goal. Deep into first-half stoppage time Miralem Pjanic stood over a free-kick before catching the Sampdoria defence flat footed in finding Ronaldo just inside the box with a well-rehearsed pass for the maestro to slot home just inside the post.

The goal was Ronaldo’s thirty-first league goal in thirty-two appearances this season and set Juventus on their way to the title-clinching three points. Ronaldo could have added a second from the penalty spot with just minutes left to play, but his effort cannoned off the crossbar.

Lazio’s Immobile scored a hat-trick in a 5-1 win at Verona, putting him three goals clear of Ronaldo with just two matches remaining.

Ronaldo took to social media after the triumph and offered a thoughtful dedication to those who have suffered away from the pitch this year. “I am very happy for the second consecutive championship and for continuing to build the history of this great club,” he said. “This title is dedicated to all Juve fans, in particular those who suffered and are suffering from the pandemic that took us by surprise and turned the world inside out. It was not easy! Your courage, your attitude and your determination was the necessary strength to face this final part of the championship and fight to the end for the title, which belongs to all of Italy. A big hug!”