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Football

Ibrahimovic keeps Juve well clear


MILAN, Italy -- Juventus kept their firm grip on the Serie A title as Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic grabbed a 75th minute winner against Lazio at the Delle Alpi stadium on Sunday.

The win keeps Juventus four points ahead of second placed AC Milan who on Saturday also came from a goal down to win 2-1 at Parma.

Lazio took the lead in the 10th minute through Macedonian Goran Pandev but Uruguayan Ruben Olivera equalized five minutes before the break. It was Juve's 11th win of a standout season.

Juventus lead on 35 points, with Milan on 31 and third-placed Udinese, who beat Siena 1-0 on 25 points.

Former Italy international Gianfranco Zola scored twice for fourth-placed Cagliari who beat Chievo Verona 4-2 in Sardinia.

Roma's hopes of climbing into the top half of the table were dented after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Sampdoria.

Sampdoria took the lead nine minutes from time when substitute Biagio Pagano headed home Fabio Bazzani's flick.

But Totti salvaged a point for Roma by converting a penalty after Bazzani had fouled Traianos Dellas in the box.

Juve close

Ibrahimovic went close to putting Juve ahead in the ninth minute when he headed a Mauro Camoranesi cross against the bar but a minute later Juve were a goal down.

Pandev produced some superb close control to wriggle into space for a low drive which gave Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon no chance.

Juve struggled to find a way back into the game, missing the contribution of flu-hit midfielder Pavel Nedved but it was Italy international winger Camoranesi who again provided the inspiration.

His cross from the right was met by Olivera who powered home a fine header to bring Juve level.

Fabio Capello's side were well on top after the break and with 15 minutes left they secured the three points when French substitute Olivier Kapo produced some smart work on the right flank and whipped in a cross which Ibrahimovic hooked home from close range.

Southern Italian teams are enjoying a good season so far and it is Sardinians Cagliari who are the most impressive, inspired by 38-year-old Zola, who still looks in fine shape.

A beautiful, curling free-kick from Zola put Cagliari on their way in the 33rd minute and six minutes later the ex-Chelsea striker made it 2-0 from the penalty spot.

Cagliari's impressive winger Antonio Langella made it 3-0 before the break and although Chievo fought back in the second half Cagliari ran out comfortable winners.

Another player catching the eye this season is Udinese's Antonio Di Natale whose 17th minute goal was enough to keep Luciano Spalletti's team in third place.



Reuters contributed to this report.

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