Barcelona's Lionel Messi looks dejected in the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final First Leg between Juventus and FC Barcelona on April 11, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

Messi was largely kept quiet all night, but he provided a superb ball over the top for Andres Iniesta, whose effort was turned around the right post by Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

That save proved pivotal as Juventus doubled its lead moments later when Mario Mandzukic's cross was deflected to Dybala, who drove a first-time shot into the left of the goal.

"Paulo had a great game but the whole team had a great game, those who started and the substitutes," Allegri said. "It was a great victory, achieved by everyone."Barcelona thought it had pulled a goal back on the half hour, but Messi's strike was ruled out as Luis Suarez had strayed offside.

Juventus had several chances to extend its lead and finally did so when Chiellini headed in a corner off the inside of the left post.

Chiellini later dedicated the goal to his former Italy teammate Giuseppe Rossi after the American-born forward suffered another serious knee injury.

Suarez almost got a crucial away goal for Barcelona in the 67th but his effort hit the outside of the left post.

Barcelona should have had a penalty, moments later, when Chiellini handled the ball in the area but nothing was given.

Juventus also had reason to feel aggrieved by refereeing decisions, as Cuadrado had a goal ruled out for offside - but television replays indicated it should have been allowed.

However, Dybala had already scored the decisive goals, a day after Italian daily La Repubblica had quoted him as saying in an interivew: "There is only one Messi, like (Diego) Maradona. No one has ever told me that I am his heir."

Associated Press