Double act gives five-star Juventus perfect start

Juventus began the defence of their Italian league title in style with a thumping 5-1 home win over Empoli.

Two goals apiece for Italy international Alessandro Del Piero and strike partner David Trezeguet helped the reigning champions on their way to a comfortable victory over the shell-shocked Tuscans.

Marco Di Vaio netted a late spot-kick for Juve's fifth goal before Antonio Di Natale grabbed a late consolation for the visitors.

Two goals in the last four minutes gave Inter Milan a nervy 2-0 win at home to Modena, while Lazio crushed newly-promoted Lecce 4-1 at the Olympic stadium.

AS Roma, deprived of their captain Francesco Totti because of suspension, edged Udinese 2-1 thanks to a cheeky back-heeled goal from Vincenzo Montella.

In the day's other matches Brescia were held 1-1 at home to Chievo and new boys Siena earned a 2-2 draw away to Perugia.

Later Sunday Bologna entertain local rivals Parma at the Renato Dall'Ara stadium.

Juventus, losing finalists in last season's Champions League, went ahead in in the 16th minute at the Delle Alpi stadium.

Gianluca Zambrotta delivered an inviting cross from the left wing and Del Piero's glancing header crept in at the far post.

Di Natale went agonisingly close for Empoli before the home side doubled their advantage just after half-time, Del Piero's low 20-yard free-kick finding the bottom corner.

Trezeguet scored two easy tap-ins in a 13 minute spell to equal Del Piero's tally and Di Vaio slotted home a penalty - which he earned himself after being brought down in the box - to make it 5-0.

Di Natale's splendid solo effort gave the few travelling Empoli fans who chose to stay until the final whistle something to cheer about.

Modena side held Inter for 86 minutes before Christian Vieri latched on to Thomas Helveg's ball to fire last season's runners-up ahead.

A rare goal from Marco Materazzi put the match beyond doubt but was harsh on a stubborn Modena side who were unlucky not to steal a point.

Lazio, who secured a place in the group stages earlier this week after winning their third round qualifier against Benfica, made light work of Lecce.

First-half goals from Demetrio Albertini, Bernardo Corradi and Stefano Fiore put Roberto Mancini's men in control at half-time before Lecce's Ivory Coast striker Cedric Konan pulled one back for the southerners.

Massimo Oddo restored Lazio's three goal advantage six minutes from time with a heavily-deflected shot.

Marco Delvecchio put Roma ahead early on at Udinese only for Danish defender Per Kroldrup to level the scores in the 27th minute.

Roma's Olivier Dacourt and Udinese's Valerio Bertotto were sent off before Montella's masterpiece gave the visitors victory.

On Saturday Reggina threw away a two goal lead to draw 2-2 at home to Reggina.

The Calabrians appeared to be in charge after goals from Francesco Cozza and David Di Michele had given them a commanding half-time lead.

But headers from Fabio Bazzani and Aimo Diana in a nine-minute second-half spell earned a point for the spirited Genoans.

European champions AC Milan, who defeated Porto 1-0 in the European SuperCup in Monaco on Friday, play away to newly-promoted Ancona on Monday.