ROME: Cristiano Ronaldo returned from injury with a goal as Serie A champions Juventus maintained their unbeaten start to the season by beating SPAL.

Ronaldo had missed the win over Brescia with an adductor problem, but powered home a header in the second half.

Juve took the lead through Miralem Pjanic’s stunning curling strike on the stroke of half-time.

SPAL keeper Etrit Berisha made stunning saves to keep out close-range headers from Aaron Ramsey and Sami Khedira.

Meanwhile, legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, 41, played his 903rd career game, a record for an Italian player, surpassing former AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini.

Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan returned to the top of the table as Alexis Sanchez scored and was sent off as they maintained their 100% winning run in Serie A by beating Sampdoria.

Sanchez, on loan from Manchester United, deflected Stefano Sensi’s shot for the opener, then tapped in another.

But he received a second yellow card early in the second half for an apparent dive inside the box.

Jakub Jankto pulled a goal back, but Roberto Gagliardini added the third for Antonio Conte’s side, who stay top.

In Spain Real Madrid remained top after drawing goalless with neighbours Atletico.

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