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Roma narrowed the gap to Serie A leaders Juventus to seven points with a hard-earned win at Cagliari.

Adem Ljajic's finish into the roof of the net from Daniele Verde's neat dink put Roma ahead before half-time.

Debutant Verde was also involved in Roma's second, crossing for Leandro Paredes to fire into the net on the half-volley from just outside the area.

Paul-Jose M'Poku headed a consolation for Cagliari, who lost for the first time at home under Gianfranco Zola.

Victory for Roma ended a run of four straight draws and they are now unbeaten in 12 league games.

After Ljajic opened the scoring in the 37th minute, the hosts missed a number of chances to equalise, Duje Cop spurning the best of those when he shot over from 15 yards with only Morgan De Sanctis to beat.

Paredes put Roma out of reach five minutes from the end before M'Poku's late header reduced arrears with virtually the last touch of the game.

Napoli strengthened their grip on third place with a comfortable 3-1 home win over Udinese.

Dries Mertens and Manolo Gabbiadini put them two in front before Cyril Thereau pulled a goal back. But he then scored an own goal to restore Napoli's two-goal lead.

Fiorentina are a further seven points behind them in fourth. Manuel Pasqual struck a late winner in a 3-2 victory against Atalanta as Chelsea loan signing Mohamed Salah made a winning debut.

Empoli halted a nine-game winless run with a comfortable 2-0 home triumph over struggling Cesena.

Sampdoria and Sassuolo shared a 1-1 draw with Eder cancelling out Francesco Acerbi's early opener.