ROME, 28 November 2005 — Juventus restored their five-point lead at the top of Italy’s Serie A with a 3-1 home win over Treviso yesterday.

Milan had cut Juve’s advantage to two points by defeating Lecce on Saturday but the reigning champions responded to the challenge despite going a goal behind in chilly Turin.

Francesco Parravicini gave Treviso a shock 25th minute lead before the hosts hit back with goals from Adrian Mutu and David Trezeguet before half-time.

Juve, who were without suspended French pair Lilian Thuram and Patrick Vieira, rode their luck at times in the second half before Alessandro Del Piero eased their jitters with a third goal eight minutes from the end.

Juventus have 36 points from their 13 matches played, five more than second-placed Milan and eight more than Fiorentina, who play Roma in the day’s late match in the capital. Inter remain 10 points off the pace in fourth after their 2-1 win at Messina where goals from Alvaro Recoba and Esteban Cambiasso clinched victory.

However, the match was marred by the constant racial abuse aimed at Messina’s Ivory Coast defender Marc Zoro by the visiting Inter fans. Lazio beat Empoli 3-2 courtesy of Fabio Liverani’s late winner for their first away win, while two goals in a three-minute spell from Brazilian Barreto gave Udinese a 2-1 victory at Parma.

Cagliari climbed off the bottom after beating Sampdoria 2-0 for their first win of the season. David Suazo was the Sardinian side’s hero, the Honduran striker grabbing both goals.

In other matches, Ascoli drew 1-1 with Palermo and Siena played out a goalless draw with Reggina.

Everton and Fulham Pull Away From Drop Zone

In London, defender Joseph Yobo hauled Everton out of the Premier League relegation zone with the only goal in a 1-0 win over Newcastle United and Fulham also steered clear of trouble with a 2-1 win over Bolton Wanderers yesterday.

Newcastle, missing injured England striker Michael Owen, had piled on the first-half pressure at Goodison Park but Nigerian Yobo nodded home from a Mikel Arteta corner just a minute after the break.

Everton then squandered two great chances that fell to James Beattie and Tim Cahill before holding on for the win.

Fulham, who had been just two points above the drop zone, accelerated away thanks to two first- half goals from American striker Brian McBride at Craven Cottage.

There was some late drama, though, with Fulham midfielder Sylvain Legwinski scoring a 90th minute own goal and Bolton’s El Hadji Diouf being shown a second yellow card, apparently for dissent, after the whistle had blown and effectively getting sent off.

Hibernian Inflict More Pain on Champions Rangers

In Glasgow, champions Rangers suffered more misery in the Scottish Premier League when they lost 2-1 at Hibernian yesterday, heaping more pressure on manager Alex McLeish.

Rangers also had captain Barry Ferguson sent off in stoppage time for his second booking in a defeat that left them still 15 points adrift of leaders Celtic.

Derek Riordan forced the ball over the line at the back post for Hibs’ 18th-minute opener after Ivan Sproule finished a fabulous run into the box with a low pass across the face of goal.

But third-placed Hibs held out for the win and now have 34 points from 16 games. Celtic lost 1-0 at home to Dunfermline on Saturday and top the table with 38 points.