ROME: Serie A leaders AC Milan continued their pursuit of the league title by beating Empoli 1-0 at the Stadio Meazza in San Siro.
Pierre Kalulu scored the game’s only goal with a superb curled strike from distance in the first half.
Milan had several chances to add to their lead, with Olivier Giroud seeing a header saved while Franck Kessie had a decent shot blocked.
Sebastiano Luperto went close for Empoli but his header was kept out by Mike Maignan.
The win means Milan are five points clear at the top of the table, although second-place Inter Milan have two games in hand.
lvano Morata scored twice as Juventus beat Sampdoria to maintain their grip on fourth place and stay in touch in the Serie A title race.
Maya Yoshida’s own goal gave Juventus a 23rd-minute lead and Morata’s first-half penalty put the visitors in control at half-time.
Wojciech Szczesny saved a penalty from Antonio Candreva but Abdelhamid Sabiri gave the home side a late lifeline.
Morata’s headed second secured victory with two minutes remaining.
Massimiliano Allegri’s side are nine points ahead of fifth-placed Atalanta, who have played two games fewer, in the race for a Champions League place.
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