Milan: Reigning champions Juventus are certain to top Serie A at Christmas after a 3-1 win at Cagliari on Thursday in their final league game of 2014.
Early strikes by Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal and a Fernando Llorente counter in the second half put Juve out of sight before Luca Rossettini got a goal back for the hosts.
While Cagliari remain in the relegation zone after seeing their run without a win extended to eight games, Juve are now four points clear of nearest challengers Roma, who host AC Milan in their final game of 2014 on Saturday night.
This game and Napoli’s later 2-0 win against Parma were brought forward as champions Juventus and Rafael Benitez’s Cup holders will meet in Qatar on Monday in the Italian Super Cup.
Massimiliano Allegri’s Juve will head into that game buoyed by a routine win in Sardinia following successive league draws against Fiorentina and Sampdoria.
“I am fortunate to train a group of players that wants to win and continue amazing people. I have a lot of faith that this side can do well in Europe too,” said Allegri.
Napoli moved into third place after a 2-0 win over rock-bottom Parma.
Colombia striker Duvan Zapata opened the scoring in the 19th minute for his fourth of the season with Belgian Dries Mertens adding the second from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark.
