Sweet 16 for Juventus after another home win
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E-mail Xinhua, April 8, 2014
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Fernando Llorente (left) celebrates with Andrea Pirlo after scoring his second goal of the night. |
Fernando Llorente scored a brace to help Serie A leaders Juventus beat Livorno 2-0 at home on Monday and move one step closer to their consecutive third title.
The Spanish striker put the hosts ahead in the 32nd minute, and headed home his second three minutes later to give Juve three valuable points in the title race.
With third-placed Napoli losing to Parma on Sunday, Juve coach Antonio Conte knew three points against their relegation-threatened visitors on Monday would seal UEFA Champions League football next season.
And the reigning champions, who extended their unbeaten home record this season, are now eight points clear of Roma in second and 20 in front of Napoli with just six games remaining.
Livorno, meanwhile, stay two points adrift of safety in 18th place.
After threatening through Innocent Emeghara in the opening minute, the visitors struggled to contain Conte's side and their goal led a charmed life.
Giorgio Chiellini and Stephan Lichtsteiner wasted early chances for the hosts, but Juve's pressure eventually paid dividends with Llorente's quickfire double just after the half-hour mark.
Juve went in front when Tevez spotted Llorente on the left side of the box and he struck the ball towards the far post and out of Bardi's reach.
The hosts then doubled their lead three minutes later when Bardi failed to punch away Andrea Pirlo's corner and Llorente was on hand to nod the ball into the back of the net.
Conte insisted the Scudetto race is not over.
"This is a fascinating season with two teams beating records and doing extraordinary things. People should give credit to Juventus and Roma, but there are six rounds left and you all know what I think about it," he said.
"Nothing has been concluded and we must keep going like this," he said.
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