Kean steps up in Ronaldo absence to rescue Juventus against Empoli

Rising teenage star Moise Kean stepped up in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo to rescue a 1-0 win for Juventus against lowly Empoli as the champions opened up an 18-point lead at the top of Serie A.

The 19-year-old -- who burst into the limelight during Italy's opening Euro 2020 qualifiers -- came on as a substitute in Turin and three minutes later scored his third league goal of the season after his double against Udinese earlier this month.

"I am neither (Lionel) Messi nor Cristiano but one day I hope to become like them," said Kean.

Juventus got back to winning ways after falling to their first league defeat of the season to Genoa before the international break.

Second-placed Napoli travel to Roma on Sunday looking to close the gap to 15 points with nine games remaining.

Ronaldo had been rested by Juventus against Genoa and the Portuguese star is now recovering from a right thigh injury picked up on international duty.

Argentina striker Paulo Dybala also pulled up with a thigh problem during the warm-up before Saturday's game.

But coach Massimiliano Allegri insisted he had wanted to ease the pressure on Kean by opting for Rodrigo Bentancur to replace the Argentine.

"Scoring two goals for Italy in as many games, having all that attention, it uses up a lot of energy both physically and mentally," said Allegri. "He (Kean) returned from international duty and looked like he barely knew where he was.

"He's got the qualities to be a great player, but so did many who have lost their way over the years."
"What the Mister (Allegri) says is right: I hope to become like the greatest players in the world, through commitment and hard work."
"Now we have seven games in 20 days and fortunately we are recovering some players who can give us a big help."