Lazio at full throttle against Udinese

Milan (AFP) – Lazio powered past Udinese 3-0 in Wednesday’s delayed Serie A fixture to boost their push for a Champions League spot next season.

The Romans overran Udinese in a game that had been rescheduled from November 5 because of rain in the capital to pull three points clear of fourth-placed Inter Milan.

Simone Inzaghi’s side are eight points behind leaders Napoli after 21 games and seven adrift of champions Juventus in second.

Despite the absence of leading scorer Ciro Immobile through injury, Lazio followed on their 5-2 win over SPAL and 5-1 win over Chievo in their last two games.

The first goal came after 22 minutes when Brazilian Samir accidentally turned the ball into his own net.

Brazilian Felipe Anderson set up Portuguese winger Luis Nani two minutes after the break and then scored the third himself with three minutes to go.

Lazio kept their Champions League alive with their fourth win the last five matches, as Udinese’s two-month unbeaten streak ended to keep them ninth.

“The 3-0 doesn’t reflect the game,” said Udinese coach Massimo Oddo.

“We were always in the game, but their second goal knocked the wind out of our sails.

“I’m sure they’ll fight to the end for a place in the Champions League.”

Roma travel to Sampdoria for Wednesday’s second game, looking to join Inter in fourth, the final Champions League spot next season.