There were few clearcut opportunities in a cagey match but Milan was awarded a penalty shortly before halftime when Benatia blocked Higuain's effort with his hand.

Higuain stepped up but his spot kick was weak and Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny managed to tip it onto his right post.

Juventus doubled its tally nine minutes from time. Joao Cancelo's shot was beaten away by Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma but only into the path of Ronaldo, who blasted into the roof of the net from close range.

Kathryn Mayorga filed a civil lawsuit in September in Nevada claiming Ronaldo raped her in his Las Vegas hotel room in 2009. Police reopened an investigation into the allegation at her request.

Ronaldo has denied any wrongdoing.

OUTCLASSED Inter Milan was thoroughly outclassed in a 4-1 loss at regional rival Atalanta for its first Serie A defeat in nearly two months.

The loss left Inter third, nine points behind Juventus.

Inter had won six straight and hadn't lost since falling 1-0 at home to Parma on Sept. 15.

"We weren't ready for this match," Inter coach Luciano Spalletti said. "Our standards dropped. After a series of victories it doesn't mean things run automatically. We need to work on that." Hans Hateboer gave Atalanta an early advantage with a tap-in and the hosts wasted numerous other chances — including an attempt off the post — to add to the lead before the break, as Inter appeared worn out following a 1-1 draw with Barcelona in the Champions League.

Mauro Icardi equalized with a penalty two minutes into the second half following an Atalanta hand ball but Gianluca Mancini restored Atalanta's lead after the hour mark with a header from Josip Ilicic's free kick.

Berat Djimsiti and Papu Gomez completed the scoring, either side of Inter midfielder Marcelo Brozovic's dismissal following a second booking.

OTHER MATCHES Stephan El Shaarawy scored a brace, including a no-look chip shot into the far corner in Roma's 4-1 win over Sampdoria.

Last-place Chievo Verona drew 2-2 with Bologna to earn its first point since former Italy coach Gian Piero Ventura was hired a month ago.

Lazio drew 1-1 at Sassuolo, while Empoli beat struggling Udinese 2-1.

Agencies