Italy round-up: Juventus secure derby success

Juventus FC moved six points clear at the top of Serie A with a 2-0 win against neighbours Torino Calcio in a tempestuous Turin derby.

Eventuful game
In an eventful game, four players were dismissed and Juventus were forced to replace key players David Trezeguet and Pavel Nedved, who both picked up injuries during the first half and had to be substituted by coach Marcello Lippi ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg against FC Barcelona on Wednesday.

Perfect start
Goals at the start and the end of the game gave the home side three important points, and Juventus had the perfect start after six minutes as Torino failed to properly clear a corner and Nedved's low cross was diverted into his own net by Torino defender Gianluca Comotto as he tried to prevent Trezeguet making contact.

Injury worries

Second yellow cards
Torino defender Luca Mezzano, who had been cautioned in the first half, was then sent off for his second bookable offence after 56 minutes, and all hope seem to have ended for the away side eleven minutes later as Carlos Marinelli was also dismissed having picked up two yellow cards.

Late drama
Despite only having eight players, however, the home side had a golden chance to equalise with four minutes remaining but Fattori shot wide with only goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon to beat, and two minutes later Alessio Tacchinardi's header from a Mauro Camoranesi cross sealed the three points for Juventus.

Milan setback
In the late game, third-placed AC Milan missed the chance to temporarily move above Internazionale FC into second place as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Parma AC. In a tight game, clear chances were hard to come by, with the decisive moment coming 13 minutes from time. Romanian striker Adrian Mutu broke down the left and his low cross was met by strike partner Adriano, who reached the ball ahead of Milan captain Paolo Maldini and beat goalkeeper Dida with a clever flick.

Late chances
Milan had chances to equalise, but substitute Clarence Seedorf's powerful shot from the right-hand edge of the penalty area rebounded off the crossbar with goalkeeper Sébastien Frey beaten, before Filippo Inzaghi had a goal ruled out for offside.

Title bid fades
The result left Milan eight points behind Juventus and two adrift of local rivals Inter, who are at home to AS Roma on Sunday.