Saturday 27 February 2016 21:48, UK
Stephan El Shaarawy scored twice as Roma moved up to third in Serie A thanks to a 3-1 victory at Empoli, their sixth league win in succession.
Roma again left disgruntled captain Francesco Totti on the bench after sweeping aside Palermo 5-0 last time out, but had no cause to regret it thanks to a brilliant display from El Shaarawy.
The 23-year-old opened the scoring with a stunning effort after just five minutes, picking the ball up in midfield and advancing towards goal before curling an exquisite shot into the top corner beyond the despairing dive of goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski.
A stunned home side attempted to get back on level terms and after Manuel Pucciarelli fired narrowly wide, they equalised in the most fortunate of circumstances after 22 minutes.
Roma goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny attempted to punch clear a dangerous left-wing cross from Mario Rui, only to see the ball cannon into defender Ervin Zukanovic and loop tamely into the net.
However, it took the visitors just five minutes to get back in front thanks to their own slice of luck as Miralem Pjanic drilled a free-kick straight into the wall, but saw the ball bounce straight back to his feet before firing through a crowd of players into the net.
Szczesny saved from Rade Krunic as half-time approached and Empoli pushed forward in search of an equaliser in the second period before El Shaarawy made sure of the win on 74 minutes.
In Saturday's other game, AC Milan consolidated their place in the top six with a narrow 1-0 win over Torino at the San Siro.
The only goal of the game came from Luca Antonelli on the stroke of half-time, leaving Torino 11th, 11 points clear of the relegation zone.
Fiorentina, in fourth at a point behind Roma, host Napoli on Monday when both sides will be looking for the win that helps them forget their elimination from the Europa League in midweek.
