The Portugal forward, who this week has firmly denied allegations of rape made against him, was back in the starting line-up after suspension and struck his fourth league goal of the season soon after Rodrigo Bentancur had notched his first for the Italian giants.

Juve cruised to a seventh straight league win to open up a nine-point gap between themselves and closest rivals Napoli, who play Sassuolo at home on Sunday.

Ronaldo, who was rested for the midweek Champions League win against Young Boys, fired Juve's second goal into the top corner after being set up by Mario Mandzukic in the 37th minute.

Uruguayan midfielder Bentancur had headed Massimiliano Allegri's side ahead four minutes earlier.

Antonin Barak hit a post for Udinese just before half-time, but had it not been for a superb goalkeeping display from Simone Scuffet, Juve would have won by a much wider margin.

Roma registered a third straight league win and fourth in all competitions with a 2-0 victory at Empoli.

Eusebio Di Francesco's side, who hammered Viktoria Plzen 5-0 in Rome in midweek, maintained their fine form to climb up to third in the table.

Steven Nzonzi headed Roma into a half-time lead before Empoli forward Francesco Caputo blazed a 58th-minute penalty over the crossbar.

Roma made Empoli pay for that miss in the closing stages when Edin Dzeko slammed home his fourth goal in two matches following his Champions League hat-trick on Tuesday night.

Cagliari secured their second league win of the season by beating Bologna 2-0 at the Sardegna Arena.

Joao Pedro's header gave Cagliari a half-time lead and Leonardo Pavoletti doubled it midway through the second period with a similar effort, with Lucas Castro providing both assists.

Bologna created plenty of their own chances, but found home goalkeeper Alessio Cragno in fine form as they slipped to their fifth Serie A defeat of the season.