Edin Dzeko makes Roma history in win over Empoli

Dzeko pounced from close range to knock in a cross from a corner in the 12th minute then produced a similarly nonchalant finish to convert Mohamed Salah's cutback in the 56th to claim his 23rd goal of the season in the league and move ahead of Torino forward Andrea Belotti as Serie A's top scorer.

His double also took him to 33 goals in all competitions for the season, overtaking Roma great and teammate Francesco Totti's tally of 32 in the 2006/7 campaign. Dzeko was then fittingly replaced by Totti and given a roaring reception by the fans inside Rome's Olympic stadium.

Roma are second in the standings on 68 points, moving to within five of Juventus, who visit third-placed Napoli on Sunday in Gonzalo Higuain's first game back at the San Paolo stadium since his controversial move to the champions last summer.

Also on Saturday Lazio maintained their hopes of a third-place finish in Serie A after an 83rd-minute own goal from defender Francesco Acerbi gave them a 2-1 comeback win at Sassuolo on Saturday.

Domenico Berardi had given the home side the lead from the penalty spot in the 26th minute, before Italy international Ciro Immobile pulled Lazio level two minutes before halftime, ghosting into the box to score his 18th league goal of the campaign.

Lazio came out far stronger after the interval and coach Simone Inzaghi used all three substitutes in a bid to get the winner.

His final change paid off as Cristiano Lombardi sent in a low cross which Acerbi inadvertently sent trickling over the line.

The home side had two chances to snatch a late equaliser, however, with winger Lorenzo Pellegrini striking the bar with a header and Berardi firing wide in stoppage time from inside the area.

Lazio are fourth on 60 points, three behind Napoli in third. (Reporting by Richard Martin; Editing by Toby Davis, Neville Dalton)