Roma climb into third place in Serie A

Ibanez, Abraham score in first six minutes to guide Mourinho’s side to 2-0 win over Empoli

ROME:

Roger Ibanez and Tammy Abraham scored in the first six minutes as Roma defeated Empoli 2-0 on Saturday to move into third place in Serie A.

Brazilian Ibanez opened the scoring at the Stadio Olimpico after just two minutes before English striker Abraham increased the lead four minutes later.

It was Abraham's sixth Serie A goal of the season.

Argentine star Paulo Dybala set up both goals for Jose Mourinho's team.

Roma have 40 points, the same as Inter Milan who are second.

Inter face champions and fifth-placed AC Milan in Sunday's derby clash.

Leaders Napoli, who have a healthy 13-point advantage at the top, travel to relegation-haunted Spezia also on Sunday.

Atalanta slipped to a 1-0 loss at Sassuolo after playing with 10 men from the half-hour mark when Joakim Maehle was red-carded for a foul on Domenico Berardi.

They then ended the game with nine players after Colombian Luis Muriel was sent-off in the sixth minute of injury time, having only come on as a substitute in the 80th minute.

Armand Lauriente scored Sassuolo's winner in the 55the minute.