Totti ensures Roma a merry Christmas
Saturday, December 20, 2003
Article summary
Two Franceso Totti goals gave AS Roma a 2-0 win against Empoli FC that keeps up their unbeaten record.
Article body
Franceso Totti struck two first-half goals for AS Roma to beat Empoli FC 2-0 and ensure the Serie A leaders reached the Christmas break unbeaten.
Clever lob
With AC Milan not in action until Sunday, Roma had the chance to go six points clear, and Totti put them ahead with a 23rd-minute penalty after John Carew as fouled by Francesco Pratali. Just before the break, a clever lob from Totti over goalkeeper Luca Bussi doubled the lead, which was safely defended in the second half.
Drama at Parma
Elsewhere on Saturday, Reggina Calcio aided their fight against relegation with a dramatic 2-1 win at Parma AC. David Di Michele gave the visitors a 27th-minute lead as he beat the Parma offside trap, lobbed Sebastian Frey and tapped in.
Reggina joy
However, it seemed Parma had salvaged a point when Di Michele handled in the area and striker Alberto Gilardino converted the penalty. However, with the game in added time, Giacomo Tedesco pounced on a Frey clearance and sent the ball into the path of Francesco Cozza, who scored to secure Reggina's first win in more than two months.
