Roma inspired by talisman Totti
Sunday, April 25, 2004
Article summary
Francesco Totti kept alive AS Roma's Serie A hopes by scoring twice in a 3-0 victory against Empoli FC.
Article body
Crucial meeting
With Milan drawing 0-0 at the Friuli, where Jon Dahl Tomasson missed the best chance of the game late on, Roma moved to within six points of the leaders with three games remaining, the first of which is between the two sides at the San Siro next weekend. Carlo Ancelotti's men know victory against the capital club will secure the Scudetto - but the gap could be closed to three points if the visitors prevail.
Form team
Fabio Capello's side are certainly the form team, having brushed aside Empoli in Palermo, where they served the second of a two-match ban from the Stadio Olimpico. Totti's opener was followed by a 65th-minute goal from substitute John Carew, who was sent off three minutes later along with Empoli's Jorge Vargas. Totti ensured the game was remembered for its football, however, wrapping up the points with a sublime lob for his 20th goal of the season.
Lecce shock
Juventus FC look destined for third place after falling to a surprise home defeat by US Lecce. David Trezeguet put the hosts ahead within three minutes at the Delle Alpi but the visitors surged into a 4-1 lead, Daniel Franceschini and Ernesto Chevanton scoring either side of Cedric Konan's double. Enzo Maresca and Alessandro Del Piero reduced the deficit in the second half but Juve now sit seven points behind Roma and appear destined to play in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League.
Missed chance
In the race for the fourth Champions League spot, just one point separates FC Internazionale and S.S. Lazio, who drew 0-0 at the San Siro. Parma AC missed the chance to climb above the pair into fourth position by drawing 1-1 at relegation-threatened Reggina Calcio. Mark Bresciano gave the visitors an early lead but Stefano Torrisi struck early in the second half to frustrate Claudio Prandelli's team.
Baggio brilliance
Elsewhere, Roberto Baggio prepared for his Italy swansong this week with Brescia Calcio's goal in a 1-1 home draw with AC Perugia, while relegated Ancona Calcio lost 2-0 at home to AC Chievo Verona. The other games resulted in home wins, with Modena FC seeing off UC Sampdoria 1-0 and Bologna FC defeating AC Siena 3-1.
