Italy round-up: Juventus create comfortable cushion

Two goals from Pavel Nedved, the second an outstanding solo effort, helped Juventus FC to a 3-0 victory against Modena FC that opened up a six-point gap at the top of Serie A.

Early scare
However, despite the convincing final margin of the victory, Juventus struggled for long periods, and could have fallen behind after 14 minutes as Modena's Senegalese international striker Diomansy Kamara was clean through on goal, but could only shoot against the outside of a post.

Disallowed goal
Modena had another chance to take a surprise lead seven minutes into the second half, but Fabio Vignaroli’s effort, as he tapped the ball into the net after Omar Milanetto's shot had hit the crossbar, was disallowed for offside.

Composed finish
Two minutes later, Juventus were in front, as Nedved finished coolly from a header by Marcelo Zalayeta. However, Modena responded almost immediately, and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was forced to produce an outstanding save to keep out a close range effort from substitute Andrea Fabbrini.

Individual strike
Juventus effectively sealed all three points eight minutes from time, as Nedved picked up possession on the halfway line and burst towards goal, holding off defenders before beating Modena goalkeeper Marco Ballotta with a powerful shot from 20 metres.

Trezeguet on target
David Trezeguet completed the win two minutes later, scoring the third goal after he found time and space in the penalty area and, although Ballotta saved his first effort, the French international striker made it 3-0 at the second attempt.

Comfortable lead
The three points gave Juventus a six-point lead over Internazionale FC, who are at home to Como Calcio on Sunday, and eight points more than AC Milan, who they visit next weekend. Milan's championship ambitions suffered another setback as Carlo Ancelotti’s side were held to a third successive draw by ten-man Reggina Calcio.

Late dismissal
The home team were reduced to ten men after goalkeeper Emanuele Belardi was sent off ten minutes from time for handball outside the penalty area, but Milan were still unable to find a way through.

Maldini milestone
Milan captain Paolo Maldini, making his 500th Serie A appearance, went close in the 23rd minute with a right-foot drive from the edge of the area which Belardi pushed wide.

Close-range effort
Clarence Seedorf then grazed the home team’s post as Milan searched for a breakthrough while Reggina threatened through Emiliano Bonazzoli’s close-range effort at the end of the first half.

Precious point
Although Milan dominated after the break, introducing strikers Andriy Shevchenko and Jon Dahl Tomasson, they were unable to create clear chances and Reggina managed to hold on for a point to move out of the relegation zone.