Juventus ahead in Italian league title race

Rome, April 23 (IANS) Juventus took a three-point lead over AC Milan in the Italian Serie A title race after they beat 10-man Roma 4-0 at home.

Arturo Vidal scored a brace in the first eight minutes, and then the home side were assisted by a controversial penalty decision which saw Maarten Stekelenburg sent off in the 26th minute, and Andrea Pirlo on the rebound after seeing his spot-kick saved.

Claudio Marchisio completed the scoring in the 52nd minute to round-off a comprehensive win which, regardless of the red card, was never in any doubt.

Juventus head coach Antonio Conte warned his side against complacency following their win over Roma, as there are still five difficult games awaiting them.

"The approach was fundamental and worthy of a top club. These lads continue to amaze me. We know it was a little step forward, but there are also five games in front of us and none of them are easy," he was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic rescued a point in the final minute for AC Milan with a fine strike against Bologna to claim a 1-1 draw.

Fiorentina had a penalty saved as Inter Milan held on for a 0-0 draw in Tuscany.

Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar brought down Fiorentina's Andrea Lazzari in the 69th minute but then kept out Adem Ljajic's spot-kick. The outcome leaves Inter unbeaten under coach Andrea Stramaccioni, who replaced Claudio Ranieri last month, and helps keep them in contention for a Champions League place.