Juventus go second with win over Sampdoria, Khedira and Pogba score

Juventus assumed second place behind new Serie A leaders Napoli after beating 10-man Sampdoria 2-1 to rack up a ninth straight victory.

Paul Pogba's classy first-half opener gave the reigning champions the upper hand and Sami Khedira doubled their advantage shortly after half-time.

Antonio Cassano spread late fear among the travelling Bianconeri with his goal for Samp but Niklas Moisander's dismissal confirmed defeat for the Ligurians.

One-time Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano could do little to deny Pogba in the 17th minute.

With his back to goal, the Frenchman controlled the ball on his chest before twisting his body to pick out the inside of the far post on the half-volley.

Summer signing Paulo Dybala began pulling the strings for Juve when play resumed -- within 60 seconds he had found Khedira for a second goal.

An illuminating through-ball swept into the German's path and he took one touch before beating Viviano with the outside of his right boot.

The Bianconeri almost went 3-0 up on the hour mark, with Hernanes missing the mark by mere inches, but instead it was Samp who grabbed the next goal.

Well-travelled striker Cassano reignited the contest after a one-two with Carlos Carbonero gave him the drop on Gianluigi Buffon in the 64th minute.

That moment inspired Samp to rally for an equaliser which never came -- Ervin Zukanovic came closest to levelling with an 89th-minute header over the bar -- and Moisander's late departure for fouling Juve substitute Simone Zaza added insult to injury.