Juve back on form

Three second-half goals saw Juventus return to winning ways in Serie A with a comfortable victory over 10-man Livorno.

Although the visitors offered stiff resistance in the first half, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Trezeguet and Alessandro Del Piero all found the net after the break to settle the game.

Second-placed AC Milan, who remain two points behind Juve, were also comprehensive winners, thrashing Udinese 5-1.

Alberto Gilardino scored twice to add to efforts from Clarence Seedorf, Andrea Pirlo and Kaka.

Italy international Vincenzo Iaquinta netted the visitors’ sole reply from the spot.

Third-placed Fiorentina enjoyed their trip to Rimini as they cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win against Ascoli.

Crowd disturbances at Ascoli earlier in the season meant the game was played at a neutral venue and behind closed doors but that did not affect the Viola as they dominated throughout.

The tone was set in the opening minute when Tomas Ujfalusi gave Fiorentina the lead and Serie A’s top scorer Luca Toni doubled their advantage in the second half.

Sergio Pellissier netted the only goal as Chievo won 1-0 at Siena while Andrea Gasbarroni and Emiliano Bonazzoli were on target in Sampdoria’s 2-0 win at Palermo.

French defender Philippe Mexes inspired Roma to their third consecutive triumph with a 2-0 victory at Messina.

Mexes, whose last-minute goal gave the Giallorossi three points against Ascoli last weekend, struck in the 34th minute before captain Francesco Totti’s long-range effort 10 minutes from time put the game out of reach for the hosts.

Parma beat Lecce 2-0 thanks to goals from Marco Marchionni and Domenico Morfeo and the game between Cagliari and Treviso finished goalless.

The away point did not save Treviso coach Ezio Rossi from getting the sack afterwards, however.