Trezeguet keeps Juve on track

David Trezeguet scored a quick-fire hat-trick as the Serie A leaders Juventus defeated Ascoli Calcio 1898 3-1 on Sunday. The defending champions stay eight points clear of FC Internazionale Milano, who needed two late goals to defeat US Lecce.

Classic poaching
The French striker, rested for Juve's midweek Coppa Italia loss to AS Roma, put on a classic display of poaching, scoring all three goals from close range in the first 18 minutes. He drilled in a rebound on eight minutes, before turning in a Mauro Camoranesi cross five minutes later and completing his hat-trick after latching on to Alessandro Del Piero's cross. Marco Ferrante replied for Ascoli just after the half hour.

Roma run goes on
Inter claimed three points against ten-man Leece thanks to goals from Luís Figo on 71 minutes and Dejan Stanković in added time. Their local rivals AC Milan now lie 12 points off the pace following their 1-1 draw against UC Sampdoria on Saturday, while the battle for the final UEFA Champions League spot has intensified. Roma closed to within five points of fourth-placed ACF Fiorentina with a 3-0 win against AS Livorno Calcio, their sixth consecutive victory, while Fiorentina played out a goalless draw with Udinese Calcio, who had Roberto Baronio sent off.

Chievo convincing
Elsewhere, there were 1-0 victories for FC Messina Peloro and S.S. Lazio against Treviso FC and Cagliari Calcio. Parma FC defeated Empoli FC 2-1, while AC Chievo Verona ran out 4-0 winners against Reggina Calcio.