Roma beat Atalanta to move closer to Juventus

Rome: Roma kept up pressure on Juventus Saturday as they beat Atalanta 3-1 to move within five points of the Serie A leaders.

Rodrigo Taddei opened the scoring before Adem Ljajic added the second and set up for Gervinho`s goal. Giulio Migliaccio bagged a consolation for the Nerazzurri, Xinhua reported. The win practically secured Roma`s second spot with 15 points now between them and third-placed Napoli, who host Lazio Sunday. Roma head coach Rudi Garcia cut an elated figure following the win. "We could`ve avoided conceding the late goal and been more consistent throughout the game, but apart from that I saw a great Roma," he said. "The team play and scoring opportunities were wonderful. I loved the second and third goals, which were created by the collective. That is hugely satisfying for a coach to see," he said. Roma are now five points adrift of Juventus, who could restore their eight-point lead with a win at Udinese on Monday. "It was very important to extend our lead over third place and to keep the title race alive," Garcia said.