Italy round-up: Chievo and Bologna stay in touch

Two goals from Argentinian striker Julio Cruz helped Bologna FC come from behind to beat Parma AC 2-1 in Serie A today, while AC Chievo Verona also kept in touch with the leading pack with a comfortable 3-0 win at Piacenza FC.

Level on points
Both clubs have 26 points, although Chievo climb to fourth position courtesy of a superior goal difference. The two sides are joined on 26 points by champions Juventus FC, who face second-placed S.S. Lazio on Sunday.

Fine finishes
Injuries and suspensions forced Bologna to make several changes but they maintained their 100 per cent home record with another fine display of finishing from the impressive Cruz. Parma were aggressive from the kick off and took the lead in the 28th minute with a shot from the edge of the penalty area by Brazilian striker Adriano.

Quick goals
However, the game was turned around by two goals in two minutes from Cruz just before the break. The first came in the 42nd minute when Cruz latched on to a fine pass from Tomas
Locatelli and unleashed a fierce left-foot shot past Parma goalkeeper Sébastien Frey. Two minutes later the Parma defence failed to deal with a right-wing cross from Claudio Bellucci which found Cruz at the far post, and the striker made no mistake.

Chievo in charge
Meanwhile, Chievo were unusually conservative at Piacenza but went ahead in the 59th minute when midfield player Ivano Della Morte rose well to head home a Daniele Franceschini cross. With Simone Perrotta in commanding form in the centre of midfield Chievo were never in danger of letting their lead slip but it was not until the 88th minute that they made sure of the win.

Late goals
Salvatore Lanna crossed the ball from the left, and German international striker Oliver Bierhoff flung himself at the ball to beat Piacenza goalkeeper Matteo Guardalben with a fine diving header. Substitute Sergio Pellissier made it 3-0 in added time with a clinical right-foot finish from the edge of the area.

Sunday action
Leaders AC Milan travel to Como Calcio, on Sunday while third-placed Internazionale FC are at home to Atalanta BC.