ROME (AP) — Donyell Malen scored in each half as Roma beat Cagliari 2-0 at the top of Serie A on Monday, keeping the momentum going.
Leaders Inter Milan were eight points behind rivals AC Milan and nine points behind reigning champions Napoli. Like Juventus, Roma now have a three-point difference.
Dutch centre-forward Malen has scored just one goal in four appearances since joining on loan from Aston Villa in January, but proved his worth with two fine finishes on Monday.
He ran into a deft through ball from Gianluca Mancini, and his deft chip past the goalkeeper rivaled a set-up pass.
His second shot, 20 minutes after the break, was a poacher’s shot, penetrating the right flank of a crowded defence, and lofting a low cross.
This result gave them confidence ahead of next weekend’s showdown with Napoli.
Cagliari, who were aiming for their first fourth consecutive Serie A title in over 10 years, finished in 12th place.
Atalanta beat Cremonese
Atalanta defeated Cremonese 2-1 to move within two points of the European Cup.
Atalanta are unbeaten in their last seven league games and are in seventh place, two points behind Como and seven points behind Roma and Juventus.
Atalanta took the lead in the 13th minute when Giacomo Raspadori’s excellent cross was met by Nikola Krstovic. Davide Zappacosta scored a fine individual goal a minute later to make it 2-0.
Atalanta’s Lazar Samardzic and Berat Gymciti also led for the first 45 minutes and came close.
Krstovic missed the best chance of the second half and Berat Gymcity had a goal canceled in stoppage time as Atalanta continued to dominate.
Morten Thorsby’s last-minute consolation for Cremonese made the scoreline even more impressive than his action suggested.
Cremonese were without a win in 10 games and were in 16th place, just five points above the relegation zone.
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