Asprilla keeps Parma in hot pursuit

Italian football

Faustino Asprilla scored a cheeky back-heeled goal to set second-placed Parma on their way to a 2-1 win over Lazio yesterday as Serie A's second- placed side kept the pressure on the league leaders, Milan.

The temperamental Colombian struck in the 37th minute, flicking home Massimo Crippa's cross, before Gianfranco Zola's free-kick stretched Parma's unbeaten league run to 10 matches. Roberto Di Matteo scored a late consolation goal for Lazio.

The champions, Juventus, lying fifth, lost ground on the leading clubs after their fourth defeat of the season - 2-0 at Sampdoria. Enrico Chiesa scored both Sampdoria goals, taking his tally to five in his last two games.

Fiorentina tightened their grip on third place with a 3-0 win over Udinese. Gabriel Batistuta set up Francesco Baiano's first in the 18th minute with an exquisite chip before sealing victory with two goals of his own.

The Croatian Goran Vlaovic, playing his second match since brain surgery in September, scored both Padova goals in a 2-1 win over Internazionale.