Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio was pleased with victory over Empoli.

Mario Mandzukic got the only goal of the game in Turin.

“I really wanted to play, but I am certainly not at 100 per cent yet. I reached the 90th minute with a lot of intensity, so that's good," Marchisio told Sky Sport Italia.

“It is important tonight that we got some players back from injury and earned three precious points."

Empoli actually had more possession at the Juventus Stadium, but Marchisio assured it was part of the plan.

“In the second half we sat a bit deeper, but Empoli didn't create a huge amount. Empoli play good football and always take the game to their opponents, no matter who it is.

“The key is to always have this energy and determination to fight for the result to the last minute, which wasn't easy with so many players returning from international duty.

“This is the final push, there are no more breaks or distractions, so we need to power through for the Scudetto."