In-form Inzaghi grabs double as Milan beat Empoli 3-0

ROME, Mar 4 (Reuters) AC Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi continued his excellent run of form as he struck twice in a 3-0 win over relegation-threatened Empoli in Serie A today.

Inzaghi's goals, taking his tally to seven in his last five league games, and Andriy Shevchenko's strike gave second-placed Milan 63 points from 28 matches, seven points behind leaders Juventus, who play Sampdoria later today (1930 GMT).

Milan, aiming for a fifth Serie A win in a row, had dropped just two points at the San Siro all season but initially struggled to break down a well-organised defence in an even first half.

Alessandro Costacurta came closest to giving them the lead when he hit the post on the half hour mark.

At the other end, an Empoli counter-attack finished with Sergio Almiron narrowly failing to make contact with Antonio Busce's low cross to the far post.

Inzaghi finally broke the deadlock in the 77th minute, gathering Johann Vogel's pass on the edge of the area, turning his marker, and blasting a left-foot shot past Daniele Balli.

Shevchenko made it 2-0 four minutes later with an easy finish after being put clear on goal by Kaka.

Inzaghi grabbed a lucky second goal in the 86th minute, when Shevchenko's free kick deflected off his shins to beat Balli.

REUTERS DH RAI0107