Japanese midfield star Hidetoshi Nakata capped a sturdy performance with his first goal of the season Sunday as AS Roma beat Udinese 3-1 to extend its lead to six points at the top of Serie A.
Nakata, in for suspended captain Francesco Totti, volleyed home a right-wing cross from Brazilian Cafu in the 66th minute to seal the win.
Despite reports in Italian newspapers that Sunday's match could be his last for the club, Nakata, who started the moves that led to first-half goals from Vincenzo Montella and Damiano Tommassi, said he will continue to fight for a place in the side for the remaining games of the season.
"I'm really pleased with the contribution I made out there today. I'll just keep doing my best and look ahead to our next game," Nakata said.
Roma coach Fabio Capello was equally delighted with Nakata's display.
"Nakata put on a fantastic performance this afternoon and scored a wonderful goal. He showed everyone what a truly talented player he is," Capello said.
Montella put the visitors in front in the 39th minute after Udinese goalkeeper Luigi Turci spilled Tomassi's shot and it was the Nakata-Montella hot line that provided Roma with its second on the stroke of halftime.
Montella picked up a Nakata pass wide out on the left, centering for Tomassi to hook the ball home and double the visitor's advantage before Nakata, making his first start in nine matches, fired home to put the game beyond doubt.
Argentina's Roberto Sosa gave midtable Udinese a 78th-minute consolation but could not stop his side from losing for the seventh time in 14 matches at the Friuli Stadium.
Roma has 62 points from 27 matches while Juventus has 56 from 27 games.