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The Bianconeri started off brightly in the knowledge that only a victory would suffice to keep apace with League leaders Roma, the gap having increased to seven points after the defeat to Lazio a fortnight ago at the Olympic stadium.

The first chance fell to the home side from a free-kick taken by playmaker Alessandro Del Piero on six minutes. The gifted 26-year-old bent in a vicious shot, which clattered against Srnicek's left post, with Brescia's former Magpie keeper clearly beaten by the sheer ferocity of the effort. A minute later and Mazzone's men reminded Juve they were not there to simply make up the numbers, this time their own playmaker and ex-Bianconeri legend Roberto Baggio letting fly with a low drive which was pushed out for a corner by Edwin Van Der Sar.

Juventus were pressing hard to get that all-important opening goal and Zinedine Zidane was beginning to dictate the tempo against a resilient Brescia rearguard. Filippo Inzaghi then had a gilt-edged opportunity on 22 minutes, having wriggled his way clear of the Brescia markers, but somehow managed to fire wide from inside the penalty box. A few minutes later Zidane met a cross from the right but his header was well saved by Srnicek.

The home side's pressure was to finally pay off on the half-hour: Alex Del Piero swung in a corner from the right, which was only partially cleared by a visiting defender. The ball fell to Zambrotta who chested it down and showed great technique in firing in a volley which left a diving Srnicek with no chance and gave Juve the vital break-through.

However, Mazzone's men did not lie down and could count themselves unlucky not to equalize on 34 minutes when their prolific forward Dario Hubner hit the post with a powerful shot with Van Der Sar beaten. Brescia then had their best spell of the game without ever unduly worrying Holland’s number one. The half was to deservedly end 1-0 for the Bianconeri, although Carlo Ancelotti will no doubt have drummed into his charges the need for a second goal cushion.

There were no changes as the sides came out for the second half. Juventus let their intentions known as early as the third minute with Zambrotta tearing down the left wing and whipping in a dangerous cross. Srnicek fumbled, the ball fell to Zidane but the brilliant Frenchman could not find the target. A few minutes later and that man Zambrotta, this time played in superbly by Del Piero, also could not find his range and blasted over from a few yards out.

Juventus continued to home in on the Brescia goal and Alessio Tacchinardi – marking his 250th Serie A appearance for the Turin club – had a good chance on the quarter-hour but Srnicek was equal to it. However, back came Brescia on the counter and Roberto Baggio had a chance to equalize but some last-ditch heroics from Mark Iuliano saved the home side’s blushes.

The tempo somewhat fell for periods as Juve maintained their single-goal lead if a touch unconvincingly, while the visitors were struggling to create chances as the game seemed destined to end 1-0. Brazilian wing-back Athirson did give his side some width down the left as Juve finally upped the ante in the last ten minutes to put the result out of reach for the plucky Lombards.

However, the unbelievable was to happen as the visitors were to pull level on 85 minutes. Former Inter man Andrea Pirlo played a delightful through-ball for Roberto Baggio, whose sublime control and side-foot finish left Van Der Sar and the rest of the Turin public shell-shocked. Filippo Inzaghi then had a goal disallowed for offside as the Bianconeri poured forward in search of the winning goal.

It was to end one apiece and the Bianconeri may well look back on this match, come the end of the season, and rue a host of missed chances. News filtered through from the Olimpico that Roma had won and extended their lead to nine points.

JUVENTUS 1-1 BRESCIA (HT 1-0)

Scorers Zambrotta 30, R. Baggio 85
Booked Iuliano 44

JUVENTUS (4-3-1-2) Van der Sar; Birindelli (Paramatti 66), Iuliano (Tudor 82), Ferrara, Pessotto; Conte, Tacchinardi, Zambrotta; Zidane (Athirson 72); Inzaghi, Del Piero
Subs not used Carini, Brighi, Kovacevic, Fonseca
Manager Ancelotti

BRESCIA (3-5-2) Srnicek; Galli (Kozminski 51), Calori, Bonera; Diana (Esposito 64), A. Filippini, Pirlo, E. Filippini, Bachini (Tare 79); R. Baggio, Hubner
Subs not used Agliardi, Petruzzi, Guana, Yllana,
Manager Mazzone

REFEREE Borriello