Serie A: Mario Mandzukic gives Juventus victory over Empoli
Saturday 2 April 2016 23:01, UK
Juventus moved six points clear at the top of Serie A with a 1-0 win over Empoli on Saturday.
Mario Mandzukic scored the only goal of the game on the stroke of half-time to extend Juve's lead over Napoli, who visit relegation-threatened Udinese on Sunday.
Juve's goal capped a period of sustained pressure, and came when Madzukic headed in Paul Pogba's cross, ending a three-month personal goal drought.
Sassuolo's pursuit of a top-six finish was boosted by a 3-1 victory away to Carpi.
The three points gained takes them to within one of sixth-placed AC Milan and leave them in contention for European football with seven league fixtures to play.
In only the fourth minute, Sassuolo's Nicola Sansone gave them the lead with a high shot down the middle from inside the area.
Carpi's Riccardo Gagliolo equalised with a close-range header in the 25th minute.
Gregoire Defrel restored Sassuolo's lead 10 minutes later with a finish from inside the area into the bottom left corner, and in the 73rd minute Francesco Acerbi secured victory with a close-range header.
