A goal from Patrice Evra has given Juventus a half-time lead over Sampdoria in this afternoon's Serie A clash in Turin.

The hosts made the breakthrough on 12 minutes when Evra headed in his first goal for the club from a corner.

Juve continued to dominate as Sampdoria were forced further back, and they nearly doubled their advantage 10 minutes later through Claudio Marchisio, but his effort from the edge of the box was kept out by goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

Paul Pogba smashed an effort over the crossbar midway through the half, while Carlos Tevez was denied by Romero with 39 minutes played.

Sampdoria carved out a rare chance in the final stages of the half, though Stefano Okak could only fire wide from 18 yards after the home side had failed to clear their lines.