Roma thrash Udinese ahead of Milan derby

ROME: Roma blew away struggling Udinese with a rampant first-half display to claim a 5-2 away win and move one point off top in Serie A on Saturday.

Gian Piero Gasperini's unbeaten side moved up to 24 points, one behind joint-leaders Inter Milan and Lazio, who are yet to play this weekend.

ryan Cristante, Rodrigo Mora, Donyell Malen and Evan Ndicka all struck before half-time and the woodwork twice denied the visitors in a dazzling show of attacking force.

Nicolo Zaniolo scored against his former club and Matteo Palma struck with a volley as Udinese improved after the break, but Daniele Ghilardi made it five in stoppage time to leave the hosts in 19th on five points after an eight-match winless run.

Earlier, Bologna claimed a third consecutive win to climb into eighth place as they came from behind to beat Monza 2-1.

League top scorer Gustavo Varela bagged his ninth goal of the season from the spot to put the visitors in front, but Tommaso Pobega and Federico Bernardeschi hit back before Bologna goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski saved a late Patrick Cutrone penalty.

Later on Saturday, AC Milan and Inter Milan go head-to-head in a highly anticipated Milan Derby at San Siro.--AFP