Juventus batter Bologna to close gap at top
MILAN - Juventus ended a difficult week on a high when winger Sebastian Giovinco inspired a 4-1 home win over Bologna on Saturday. Second-placed Juve, eliminated by Chelsea in the Champions League last-16 on Tuesday, cut the gap on Serie A leaders Inter Milan to four points before the champions host Fiorentina in Sunday's late game.
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A raft of injuries meant Juve's side practically picked itself, with four youth team players on the bench.
A tough few days, which included a public spat between striker David Trezeguet and coach Claudio Ranieri, looked to have taken their toll midway through the first half when fifth-bottom Bologna opened the scoring.
Massimo Mutarelli nutmegged goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon after former Juve striker Marco Di Vaio played him in with a superbly disguised pass.
The hosts hit back early in the second period when Hasan Salihamidzic expertly headed in Giovinco's corner and the 22-year-old wide man then grabbed a deserved goal when he sliced the ball in after Vincenzo Iaquinta's layoff.
Alessandro Del Piero, who hit the woodwork twice, lashed home a third on 75 minutes before tapping in a late fourth but Giovinco was easily the man of the match.
Champions League hopefuls Genoa earlier moved above Fiorentina into fourth spot when substitute Ruben Olivera secured a 1-0 win at 10-man Cagliari.
The striker headed in from close range after 85 minutes to break Cagliari's brave resistance after the Sardinians had midfielder Andrea Cossu harshly sent off for a second booking before the break.
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